Water Chemistry Out Of Wack.....advice needed

Need some help trying to figure out my water chemistry issues. I am kinda at my wits end with it. First here are my reported parameters

Ph - 8.8
Amm-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-20
Cal-440
Mag-1540
Alk-23
PO3-3

I will be honest I haven't kept up with testing like I should other than basic test kit. However I noticed a few weeks ago a lot of my sorties were shriveling up and dying. I tested my water a week ago and I got crazy ph and alk numbers like those above. I have an approx 450 gal tank system so I have done several large water changes and above is what I am measuring today. I am trying to pinpoint what my issue is and I can't seem to figure it all out.

I have lots of theories but not sure what it could be. At first I thought must be my test kits (I use API liquid test kits all are about 1 1/2 years old) but they can't be that off with all the issues I am seeing in my tank I wouldn't think.

When all this started I had just added a bunch of Kent reef carbon but I don't see how that could be the problem. I do realize there was some issues with this carbon recently having copper in it but I checked and the dates on my 2 gal bucket of carbon were not on the recall list.

I also thought maybe it could be an issue with my ro/di system. I have a spectra pure maxcap 90 gal per day unit. I tested my tap water and it had alk off the charts of like 28 and I tested it ro/di water and it shows alk of 18. Is this mean I need to replace di resins or is my alk test kit just off? My TDS meter shows .3 for output water so I know I need some new filters or maybe new ro membrane (I just added new pre filter and carbon block filter a few weeks ago.)


I realize the balance of alk ph cal and mag all work together.....so could this high alk of my ro water...if it is truly that high... be the source of all my other problems?

I have just ordered a refractometer, pinpoint ph probe, and nitrate reactor (hope reactor takes care of nitrate and PO3issues) but as for the rest not sure what is next step. As I said fish are doing fine but sorties and corals struggling. I also had bought a cleanup crew from reef cleaners and nearly all my snails are now dead.

Also important to note that I used to dose kale but haven't in months....otherwise I would blame all this mess on that.

 

How long has the tank been running? I would test the water coming out of your ro/di unit. That should reveal your problem hopefully. You are also correct in having to change your filters also. Might fix your nitrate problem unless you are feeding heavy.

 

I would say just because your kent carbon is not on the list does not mean its safe..

I would buy some new carbon different brand, some copper absorbing pads and do a few more water changes..

I would have a had time believing you rodi out put water is 18 alk and your tap so high. I think you might have a mix of bad test kits and bad carbon is my thought.
I'm sorry your going through this though.

Good luck.

 

Tank is about 3 years old. As far as feeding I feed two cubes a day but all is gone in less than 10-15 sec.

 

I had a similar issue with my water quality and had not changed the filter on my RO/DI for 6 months. I got a TDS meter and had a similar reading. I didnt think it was that big of a deal with such a low reading but you would be surprised. My corals have been doing so much better since I changed the filter.

I would stop doing water changes until you replace the filters and then do multiple water changes over the course of a week. One big one 50% and then a 20% every 2-3 days.

It seems radical but it is what I had to do in my tank a few months back. Best of luck.

 

Also if you are looking for a quick fix you can use a water conditioner to treat the new water you are putting into the tank like amquel.

 

I would have your LFS test your water to see if they show the same params.

 

I am pretty sure if your Alkin the output is 18 your TDS would be a lot higher than point 3. My vote is for bad test kits