chemistry issues

[eholceker]

I am having some issues with some chemisry levels in my tank. I am having a hard time bring up my Alk and Cal. My tank is a 75 gallon mixed reef, salinity 1.025, temp 79-80.

Current Levels:
DKH- 7
Cal- 380
PH- 8.0 - 8.2

Corals:
Montipora Digata *3
Montipora Nodosa
Montipora Capricornis * 2
Birdsnest
Pocillipora
Hydnophora * 2
Frogspawn
Fungia
Purple sea Whip * 2
Toadstool
Kenya Tree
Yellow Leather Figi * 2
GSP
Mushrooms

No matter what I add I can't bring any of these up. My sps growth has slowed down. I used to keep my ALK at 9.5 DKH but can not even get close to that level. I have tried Kent's Super buffer. This absolutly did not even raise the level a lick. Seachem's Carbonate Buffer will raise the level, but by the next morning it is back down. I am trying to get my levels stabilized so I can go back to adding my two part additives to maintain them, which right now seems impossible to do. I have even tried switching salts from IO to reef crystals. Still no luck. :confused:

[mbbuna]

you should be able to raise it with your 2 part.

use this to tell you how much to add

http://reef.diesyst.com/

[eholceker]

the problem is I can raise it but by the next morning it is back down. I cant keep it stable.

[mbbuna]

if its not precipitating out then your tank (corals ect..)is using it. you may need to set up some type of dosing system.

[eholceker]

i dont think it is precipating out my tank. I dont check that much but I never noticed ans snowflakes. I was actually looking to start dosing kalk. Can you recomend a good dosing pump for dripping kalk?

[mbbuna]

this is gravity feed, no pump

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_kent_marine_aquadose.asp?CartId=

these are all pumps

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_spectrapure_litermeter.asp?CartId=

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_aqua_medic_SP_3000_sp3000_niveaumat_reef_doser.asp?CartId=

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_innovative_aquatics_sentry_admiral_commander.asp?CartId=

if you look around you may find them cheaper. i just pulled them all off that site because it was easier

[eholceker]

would i only have to drip this at night or should this be going on 24/7? Also after making a bucket how long doe sit last for? does it need to replaced daily?

[mbbuna]

Kalk should last for a long time as long as its sealed from the air. you can dose either way, only at night or 24/7.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/rhf/index.php

[bertoni]

Daily supplementation is normal. Limewater is a fine idea to try. The mixed limewater will last for months if it's not stirred and kept in a container that's covered, not necessarily sealed, to reduce air exposure.

[Kurt03]

have you checked your magnesium? if you cant get your levels where you want it i bet mag is low.