Alkalinity Low, But Ca2+ Too High

I'm using Seachem reef salt, and I end up with a calcium concentration close to 600 ppm. However, my alkalinity is too low at 5 dKH. If I use a 2 part system, will I end up with even higher calcium concentrations or will the increased alkalinity help to bring down calcium levels? I need to bring up alkalinity, but I don't want my calcium concentrations to go through the roof.

 

What test kit are you using?

If that is your alk, than yes you need to supplement that. You can get some basic two part system, just use the buffer component. I probably dose Ca for every ten times I dose the alk component.

You have a significant quantity of stony corals, tanks going to need dosing, I doubt you'll be able to maintain alk with water changes alone.

 

Oh, ok, good to know I don't need to dose both of them in equal quantities. I'll try just dosing the alkalinity component. I'm using the Tetratest kit for alkalinity measurements.

 

Get a Hanna, $49.00 bucks, and your life is so much easier.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Hanna_In...na_Instruments-HN1181-FITEMOID-HN1189-vi.html

 

An alternative to the hanna, the Red Sea Reef Foundation Test Kit - Calcium, Alkalinity & Magnesium. You can get the pack for around $50-60 and then you have the ability to test for all three of the main 3 parts for dosing, etc.

I use the red sea and I have found it very easy to use. I can get the alk test done in less than a minute, if I need to. The hanna are good testers, as well, just a bit more pricey.

 

Does the Red Sea kit require a supply of DI water? I will check into the alkalinity kits.

 

No.

I just use RO/DI to rinse the gear afterwards.