Cal and Alk Issues

niko5 · #1 03/13/2004, 12:06 PM

My alk is 2.6. First of all is this to low because natural sea water is 2.9? I did try and raise it some with the Kent part CB stuff and it went up to 2.8 for a day then now back to 2.6... I just recently started using a Kalk reactor could that be why its low? My Ca is currently 410 (trying go raise it also).

Any advice ?

niko5 · #2 03/13/2004, 07:58 PM

Anyone?

scotmol · #3 03/13/2004, 08:41 PM

Nick,

I assume you're alk readings are in mEq/L. If so, you are a little low. How's your PH? A calc reactor will tend to drive PH a little low and if not properly dialed in, you will have trouble maintaining alk. I attached a link which really helped me dial in my reactor. It is specific to the K2R reactors but I think the principle will work for any. The second link is a great artical on solving calc and alk problems. As for a supplement to raise the alk, I would recommend Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (non perfumed). I found it at my local Safeway. It's better than commercial aquarium brands and lots cheaper.

Good luck,

Scott

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.htm

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

niko5 · #4 03/13/2004, 08:52 PM

Do those links still apply if its a Kalk reactor not a cal reactor? just dosing kalk or does it do the same as the ca reactor?

My ph is 8.4

scotmol · #5 03/13/2004, 09:07 PM

Nick,

My bad...I'm on pain killers from surgery. No, different animals the Kalk and Calcium reactors. Guess you can ignore the first link but the second should still apply.

Sorry about the confusion...

Scott

niko5 · #6 03/13/2004, 09:14 PM

No problem

Thanks alot