Desired Alk when using Seachem salt?

[coreno16]

Hi,

I'm starting dosing with randy's improved 2 part and im wondering what the desired Alk level would be when using Seachem Salts. With the Seachem alk test i'm at 4.5 meq/l which is obviously elevated due to the added borate. I know that without borate alk, desired area is about 3.5. What do you Seachem users keep your alk at? Thanks for the help.



- Cory

[Billybeau1]

Cory, I know there is an issue here. Randy knows about it and will get back to you in the AM. I just cant find it right now :D

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If this is the new Seachem salt mix, the borate is not high enough to really skew the alk readings (unlike the old version), and I'd still target 3-4 meq/L. A bit higher is likely OK too. :)

[coreno16]

Thanks for the help,
Is it normal for my alk mix to precipitate when i add it? Maybe im adding too much at one time. I bumped the Alk up a bit too high (6 meq/l). Luckly i only have one fish and no coral yet, so it's a learning experiance. My Ca is at 400 ppm and I'd like to make it 410ish. Should i try dosing Ca only to bring it down or should i just let the alk reduce on its own?

Also i was pretty suprised by my levels with SeaChem Marine Salt. MY Ca was 380, Alk 4.5, Mg 1300.

Thanks for the help,


Cory

[Billybeau1]

Those numbers dont surprise me. I would just let the alk fall on its own. It will.

What alk mix are you talking about ?

You can bump up calcium a bit more if you want. I like 420 :)

[coreno16]

I'm just getting started with Randy's 2-part recipe 1.

[bertoni]

I'd just dose the calcium part for a day or so until the alkalinity dropped a bit. No need to add calcium just to cause a drop, though. Just move calcium to your desired level, in my opinion.