my params are outta wack ... need some help

Hey guys,

I just ordered some new ELOS test kits online, in prep for my BRS Two Part which should show up next week. I wanted some accurate tests to begin my dosing.

However, I got some weird parameters for someone who doesn't dose.

Salinity - 1.024
PH - 8.1
Nitrate - >5 ppm
Calcium - 600 mg/l
Alk - 8.5
Mg - 1450


Calcium seems high, Alk seems low, and Mg seems high. I don't dose or buffer anything at this point. Just water changes every 2 to 3 weeks

What could cause this?

 

Most likely it's your salt, or erratic readings.

Try checking a new batch of water next time you do a water change. If the readings are the same, then it's your salt. It's not that uncommon, sorry to say.

An LFS would be able to give you a point of comparison if you bring some water.

Good luck!

 

your Mg is exactly where it should be. I don't see any problem with the Ca at 600 (not my cup of tea though, I prefer 400-450) but that's the reason the Alk is so low.

 

+1 on all above - dont do anything until your 100% that the levels you are reading are accurate ( many a problem has started , from trying to correct one that does not actually exist)

also some additives not considered strictly as dosing can create this type of situation
Purple Up for instance, used previously , thus at present no dosing is occuring, could have also led to parameter deviations from the accepted norms

parameter deviations from accepted norms such as yours can be easily remedied
by allowing the calcium to drop naturally , whilst monitoring on a weekly basis ( It wont all fall out or get used up overnight IME)


Steve

 

Your brand of salt can definitely be a contributing factor. Try testing your salt before adding it to your tank and see what your reading are as a start. And as mentioned above could be a faulty, expired test kit.
Calcium is high, IMO, especially if you don't have a large bioload of hermatypic corals, clams and inverts that require calcium on a grander scale.
Calcium should be roughly 380-450 with magnesium levels being 3x that number. Alkalinity and calcium tend to work opposite each other with a higher calcium causing a lower alkalinity reading and vice versa. Of course their are other variables that can interact with this such as pH levels.

 

Agreed. Just pointing out you should let the new water mix for at least 24 hours before testing - but IME it often takes two days before it settles down and you get accurate readings.