High calc / High Alk. No dosing.

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011.

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  1. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Alright another question...
    So I just did my regular weekly water change using Reef Crystals. I usually have slightly high calcium levels, and my alk is usually right around 10-11. After the water change I read out everything. My Alk was 12-13 range more towards 13. My calcium was around 520. I do NOT and never have dosed. Any idea why they are so high, and if it could be the test set? Using API test. Should I be taking evasive action in some way to lower?
     
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    #1

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  2. Shackman23

    Shackman23 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Did you test your new water before you out it in and after? Ive been having alk issues with my reef crystals as well but not calcium
     
    Shackman23, Oct 21, 2011
    Shackman23, Oct 21, 2011
    #2
  3. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I havent read it out for about 3 days and at the time it was around 450.
     
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    #3
  4. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    Depending on how often you are doing water changes and the demand from your corals can cause this. If you use salt that has decently high cal,mag etc. and you don't have corals enough corals depleting them, you can get high levels. I have to dose for alk and cal, but I have never dosed for mag. My religious bi weekly water changes keeps it high and never goes down.
     
    dowtish, Oct 21, 2011
    dowtish, Oct 21, 2011
    #4
  5. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    The only calcium dependent corals I have are 2 heads of frogspawn and a small blasto, I do weekly 16% water changes. Even when i used instant ocean I still had high cal. Im just concerned that it is too high (calcium and alk) although I do not know if there are really problems associated with high cal and alk
     
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    #5
  6. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    What's your salinity reading? Before/after?
     
    NanaReefer, Oct 21, 2011
    NanaReefer, Oct 21, 2011
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  7. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    1.025 before and after.
     
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    Mobalized, Oct 21, 2011
    #7
  8. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Are u using any type of crushed coral for substrate? I've been using RC for 2+yrs now and haven't had any issues. Could be u have a bad batch of salt. Bad test kits. I'd take a water sample to the LFS and have them test it. See what they get. Also test your new batch of make up water. Post those readings if u would please :)
     
    NanaReefer, Oct 22, 2011
    NanaReefer, Oct 22, 2011
    #8
  9. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    I will do, should be mixing more in the next couple days. No coral substrate, and I doubt bad batch since other type read similar. Possible bad test set which I already have a bad ammonia and I believe phosphate
     
    Mobalized, Oct 22, 2011
    Mobalized, Oct 22, 2011
    #9
  10. NanaReefer

    NanaReefer Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    Keep us posted....while your waiting I'd bring in a sample to the lfs for them to test.
     
    NanaReefer, Oct 22, 2011
    NanaReefer, Oct 22, 2011
    #10
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