Low KH

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 4
  1. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    Messages:
    800
    Location:
    Redmond OR
    I have been losing snails (have a really hard time keeping them alive in my tank and it isn't just hermies killing them), also fish have a hard time staying alive in my tank. My corals are looking a little drab and I am not sure what is going on. I thought my corals were having such a hard time because my lights were so old but I have replaced those. I am not looking for a immediate change with those. I know they will take some time but why can't I keep my fish or snails?

    Here are my parameters from today!
    Phosphate 0
    Ammonia 0
    Nitrite 0
    pH 8.4
    SG 1.026
    Nitrate 30 (It has been this way for months and I had a fish die yesterday that then got eaten by my Sally lightfoot)
    Kh 125
    Ca 480

    Does anyone have any ideas on how to help me?
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2008
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    Is this an old "freshwater tank" converted? Wait, This is the one you bought on craigslist right? And magnesium should be included in your test results there. Is your kh 12.5? Can't really figure that out. If yes, Kh 12 and Ca 480 your mg will be at a fairly good range. Nitrate @ 30 isn't that big of a deal. Not too deadly anyways.
     
    missionsix, Nov 5, 2008
    missionsix, Nov 5, 2008
    #2
  3. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2008
    Messages:
    5,716
    Location:
    Reno, NV
    Do you have a grounding probe?
     
    PackLeader, Nov 5, 2008
    PackLeader, Nov 5, 2008
    #3
  4. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    I hate to be stupid but, read the quote and look at my sigpic at the same time.
     
    missionsix, Nov 5, 2008
    missionsix, Nov 5, 2008
    #4
  5. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    Messages:
    800
    Location:
    Redmond OR
    I don't have a probe....I know stupid...just haven't found the time.

    My kH is 125 (7 drops or 7 degrees) but according to my kit that is low for marine animals....that is more for live bearers or brackish water. And yes this is the tank I got from CL Made for SW I don't have a mag test kit!
     
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    #5
  6. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
    Messages:
    4,622
    Location:
    Shelton, Washington
    125/50 multiplied by 2.8 is dKH=7. Low, but not death low. I am with PL. Grounding probe? I cannot think of anything else.
     
    PharmrJohn, Nov 5, 2008
    PharmrJohn, Nov 5, 2008
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    7dkh. Have you done anything for magnesium? I'd say mg is an important aspect here.
     
    missionsix, Nov 5, 2008
    missionsix, Nov 5, 2008
    #7
  8. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2008
    Messages:
    5,716
    Location:
    Reno, NV
    Or, what I believe mission is hinting at, possibly copper/medication leach if it was FW. Lets hope it could be grounding probe.
     
    PackLeader, Nov 5, 2008
    PackLeader, Nov 5, 2008
    #8
  9. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    Messages:
    800
    Location:
    Redmond OR
    I did recently change my salt from Instant Ocean to Red Sea Coral Pro. Would that have anything to do with it?
     
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    #9
  10. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    Messages:
    800
    Location:
    Redmond OR
    It was never a FW!
     
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    cannedmulder, Nov 5, 2008
    #10
Page 1 of 4