low Alk

I tested my levels on the weekend and found that I have what I would consider low alk being at 5, I dosed and to bring up the level slowly but I dont see any change tonight , however my PH is 8.38 and this to me is as high as id like to see it (it was 8.03 befor dosing)
CAlcium 410
mag 1300
both I would think are fine.
sps are growing and it seems that my spots of algea are starting to fade.
Time to get another test kit im thinking .
What are your thoughts?

 

Im not 100% sure on this but I feel that the Mag level of 1300
combined with the calc level at 410 , means the Mag level is to low to support any additional ions - if you now increase your Alk - you might find your Cal drops in reponce to this

increasing you mag 1st - should I believe , help you to increase Alk, without sacrifising calcium

I run at 1470 - 1500 myself and have Alk at 9 (Ca is 460 ish)

Steve

 

ill re test my mag I dosed mag yesterday. thanks Steve haha I forgot! im getting old
post again soon

 

OK mag is at 1440 (Red Sea).
sounds a bit better eh ,
do we have a chemistry calculator here I better go check
im sure its ok and the alk test kit is out. but who knows?
what are the tell tail signs of low alk, algea?

 

tell tell signs of low alk would be fading coraline, lack of coral growth, maybe browning of sps.

 

thanks , at the moment im getting solid growth in 80% of sps other 20 I concider slow growers, hmm
3weeks ago I got some brown out frags and they are already starting to get color back in them.
is it possible to run low Alk no.s like 5? I would think its pritty low.

 

I think your test kit is probably screwy

 

BTW 5 would be pretty low yes

 

ahhh shucks wastemanagement. You almost got my karma to the 10000 mark.

 

3reef.com - Forums for coral reef aquariums, salt water fish, corals, inverts, protein skimmers, aquarium lighting and more - Calculators

if your tests kits are the issue, OK

But if not this may help

Steve