Problems keeping Calc and Alk in range

[connpatd]

I am noticing that my Calcium and Alk are always low.

Last night my Calcium was at 330 and my alk barely at 7 dkh (2.5 meq/l).

I was told that if I switched to a better salt mix I'd probably end up in the sweet zone so I bought Tropic Marin Pro salt, supposedly one of the best.

This still isn't bumping up my numbers.

Even my fresh mixed saltwater is low in the same range that I listed above, although I was told that this brand of salt should be easily in the 400's for the calcium.

PH is in the normal range and I haven't been able to find a good magnesium test kit for a while.

Any ideas what is wrong?

I am going to use Kent's Turbo calcium and Baking Soda to force the tank into the proper range and then try to keep it there with Kalkwasser, however I just don't understand why even my fresh saltwater (made from RO/DI) isn't anywhere near where it should be.

Any clues?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Salt mixes won't solve calcium and alkalinity problems, but some start of various levels of calcium and alkalinity that is worth understanding.

In this case, you need to boost the calcium with a calcium supplement (the Kent is fine), then begin routine dosing of calcium and alkalinity , preferably with a balanced calcium and alkalinity additive system (the limewater (kalkwasser) is fine).

These articles have more:

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 1: The Salt Water Itself
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

[Reefer1998]

I'm having a similar problem with my 90 gal tank. I think it might have something to do with the Mg (?) I'll be interested in other's feedback to your post.

Reefer

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

[welcome]

Have you measured magnesium?

Aside from a measurement indicating it is low, magnesium should only be fingered if you are adding what you believe are excessive amounts of calcium and alkalinity based on what is in the tank, or especially if you see excessive precipitation of calcium carbonate on heaters, pumps, etc. That is where the calcium and alkalinity must go when blaming low magnesium.


A frequent reason for low calcium and alkalinity is simply inadequate supplementation.

How much of what are you adding,and how often? What is your tank like?