Alk off. 2nd day curing

[192clark]

Yesterday I started curing 150 lbs of live rock.
params were: temp 72, ph 8.3, Ca 340, kh?alk 10.6, po4 0, ammonia .75, nitrate 100, nitrite 4,
at 3:00 today params were Temp 72, ph 8.0, ca 340, kh/alk 5.6, po4 0, ammonia .75, nitrate 100, nitrite 4,
So I used Salifert KH + pH Buffer. It said 10ml per 25gal to raise KH 1.2 meg/l. I did that and the pH went to 8.2 but alk was undetectable. So I mixed up Randys 2 part , I have used about 1/3 of the alk supplement which was1/3 of a gal. In the 100gal vat that I am curing in. The ph is 8.4 now but alk still undetectable. What should I do now and why has this dropped off chart?

[bertoni]

What do you mean by "undetectable"? That sounds like a testing problem. Some acidic metabolites might be sucking up a lot of alkalinity, though, if there's a lot of decay.

That temperature is extremely low for a reef tank. This article might help:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

[192clark]

Thanks for your help. I was using a salifert test kit. The last step is to use a 1ml syringe and when sample turns color you determine number left unused on syringe. Used all in syringe and no color change.

[MrPike]

If you used the entire syringe without a color change, that means your alkalinity is off the scale. I think its time to do a water change, would help with the decay that is happening in that curing vat, as well as the skewed alkalinity reading.

[192clark]

Thanks will do!

[bertoni]

Yes, the pH buffer lead to an overdose of alkalinity. The pH of a tank usually runs fairly low during the cycle, but a pH buffer won't help. When the decay is done, the pH will rise as the acidic decay compounds are removed.

[192clark]

Thanks I did 30 gal waterchange now I am going to not get so excited. I think!

[192clark]

Since I last posted I have done 4 20 gal water changes. My alk test is just now changing color when I put the entire syringe in the test vial.
params:
Temp 80
amm o
ph 8.3
nitrate 50
nitrite .25
calcium 380
phos 0
The vat and rock is getting covered with what looks like might be red algae?
I have not had an amm spike, Monday will be two wks. will it come or have I made a terrible mistake with the previous dosing of ph alk buffer and then the subsequent dosing of the alk part of Randy's 2 part. My skimming seems to be off also, I had dry foam the it has gone to wet. When I try to adjust it to get dry it quits skimming.
Sorry for the dissertation but any insight some of you would have is most appreciated. Thanks!

[192clark]

anyone?

[TingTang]

I would not add anything during the cycle or test anything except the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. Once the cycle is complete then test everything else to get it in line. Also, no need to perform water changes during the cycle, it might prolong the cycle time. At the end of the cycle then do a large water change like 30 or 35%. good luck

[192clark]

thanks!