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View Full Version : trouble raising alk over 1.5-2


SnowManSnow
10/13/2009, 06:00 PM
so.. i'm having trouble getting my alk up.... it measures 1.5-2 meq/l. I would lke to get it around 2.5 at least.

I use the reef calculator to add randy's 2 part recipe 1 alk. It says add just under 4 oz (which seems too little to me)..

the tank is 135 apx total gallons

I'm using seachem test kits ..

tank has a pretty high sps load (if it matters)

not sure what the CA lvl is right NOW.. just ran out of the kit.. need to purchase another.. It is normally around 380 without the addition of anything... I use SeaChem Reefsalt.

Thanks for any advice.

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/13/2009, 06:54 PM
You sure you entered meq/L and not dKH?

Anyway, the 4 oz is right for a 0.5 meq/L boost.

Expect to add some every day. :)

SnowManSnow
10/14/2009, 01:38 PM
ill just add every day for a while..

I tested again today and its still showing 1.5-2

B

daughertyja
10/14/2009, 01:41 PM
could your mag levels have anything to do with that?

Billybeau1
10/14/2009, 01:56 PM
From my experience, if you are using Seachems alkalinity kit, your alk level is probably a little higher than it is registering. I have had problems with that kit in the past.

Pick yourself up a cheap API kit, first, and see what it reads. Then I would recommend a Salifert or Elos for a better number.

If you add enough baking soda, alkalinity has to rise. :)

Randy Holmes-Farley
10/14/2009, 04:13 PM
If it is not rising, that just means the tank is using what you added (assuming the kit works)

Add twice as much tomorrow and see what that does. :)