Reduce amount of ALK added to raise Calc?

I have been using the 3 part calc,alk,mag from DT's for a few months and recently lost a Clam and a tube worm due to uncontrolable low Calcium levels.

I went to the LFS and he told me to reduce part 2 (alk) and the calcium would come back up as well as raise the PH which was at 7.8 for months.

Today I dosed as he suggested and my BTA's all started coming out from under the rocks and opening up twice as large as they ever had in the past. They also started getting the slight green color in the tips.

So does this sound right? Should they react that quickly? My calc went from 360 to 380 in less than 6 hours and it has not been above 360 in months.

Did the LFS steer me correctly or did I just make a big swing that will come back to bite me.

 

Something may be amiss somewhere. If your magnesium is on target, calcium and alk shouldn't be in competition for stability at proper levels. If calcium or alk is very elevated, then it's an either or thing--in that neither will remain at optimum so long as the other is elevated. Put differently, if calcium is very high, then alk will be low, and the converse of that statement is also true.

First thing to confirm is that magnesium is where it should be. As long as mine is kept between 1350-1500, my calcium and alkalinity are easy to maintain. Additionally, pH will take care of itself with calcium, alkalinity and magnesium where they should be (providing your ambient conditions aren't overloaded with CO2). This can happen in a home where the windows are always closed, and there's insufficient ventilation.

Good luck, robwerden.

 

nice post Sparky.

 

Very well said.I just learned something new..K+