High Alk

[Mark]

Late last week I got a call from the zoo indicating the Alk in the tank exceeded 15 dKh. Headed up there and found the Ca was up to around 420 (tank normally runs around 350) and that we were almost out of CO2. My best guess is that something got bumped and the CO2 injection rate was elevated. PH was 8.1.

The inhabitants of the tank looked fine. So, plan is to shut off the Ca reactor for a few days and allow the Alk to drop. Figured we might as well take advantage of the fact that the Ca level has been boosted so I've changed the standing instructions so 3 tbsp of Turbo Ca will be added anytime the Ca level in the tank drops below 400.

[PCIALF]

I all of a sudden (and wonder if it is the bad salt mixtures) am ballting low alk 7dKh Ca around 400 the reactor is working fine just can't keep up

[skifletchgmail]

Hows it doin now John, all sorted out?

[PCIALF]

no still a little low

[Mark]

John,

What's your PH and what numbers (Ca & Alk) are you shooting for? Assuming your PH is ok, you're close to NSW levels.

As long as your PH is ok, personally, I'd probably increase my bubble rate slightly and try to boost both Ca and Alk a little. If the PH is really low, I'd drip kalk at night instead with the same aim in mind.

Did you test some of your new saltwater to see what levels you're getting?

Mark

[Gary Majchrzak]

Originally Posted by PCIALF

I all of a sudden (and wonder if it is the bad salt mixtures) am ballting low alk 7dKh Ca around 400 the reactor is working fine just can't keep up

has your aquarium temp increased at all?

(possibly an increase in Ca/alk uptake due to faster coral metabolism?)

I'm hesitant to open this up (because some people interpret this wrongly) but what brand of salt are you using?

[PCIALF]

Temp has been stable
Coral is growing faster since new lights
Reef Crystal Salt
Thanks

[Brian]

John have you had a look at your Magnesium levels? I would start there if you are unable to maintain NSW Ca and Alk levels.

[PCIALF]

Its around 1240 so a little low