calcium,ph & alk

[cioutlaw]

ph- 8.18 end of light cycle, 8.02 end of night cycle
calcium- 400
Alk-12.2 DKH

Calcium reactor has been running for 2 weeks. From what I know everything looks fine with the exception of alk being on the high side, reading in different places everyone has a different opinion of what the alk range should be...Ive read that it should be kept 9-10DKH from a 14DKH being ok. Whats the local opinion...should I lower the alk & if so how? What causes the alk to be off when the calcium & Ph are on target? Is this something that will balance out on its own?

[Benny Z]

what's your magnesium at? typically mag helps keep calc and alk stable.

12 alk is high, but it's not end of the world high imo. what are your no3 and po4 nutrient levels? your alk level should be determined by your nutrient levels.

[Horace]

low nutrient sps tanks should not be much if any over 8.0dkh.

However, it is more important to have stable alk than anything else.

[cioutlaw]

I havent tested for Magnesium, Nitrates & Phosphate are at 0 or dont register anyway. This is a mixed tank with only a few small SPS.

[hounddog01]

I would be interested in what the readings were before you started with the reactor. Then I would have a better idea. 12 is high not awful but I would watch it carefuly if it increasing. It could become a problem in a hurry.

[cioutlaw]

I didnt test the alk till after using the reactor for awhile, The calcium was 380 & the Ph is about the same. Ill keep an eye on the Alk.

[cioutlaw]

Good call guys...I got my Mg test & Im at 1050ppm, from what I have read 1300-1500 is the norm. Not sure if thats low enough to cause my alk problem but what do I need to do or add to get the Mg up?

[hounddog01]

I have some MG in the form of Mag Pellets. I will make you a good deal on a few pounds.