Alk and Cal problem.

[bbmcrae]

Hello All,

I have a 90 reef (20 gal sump). I seem to be having a problem with getting my Alk and Cal numbers to the appropriate levels. I've tested both with Salifert kits and the readings are as follows:

Alk= KH 16.0, Alk 5.71

Cal= 300

I've been dosing B-ionic for the past month or so (40ml each per day). Please provide suggestions on bringing my readings to the correct levels as well as maintaing them.

RANDY,

I've ordered a Magnesium kit and Tech M by Kent just in case this is my problem. I'm also looking into Turbo Cal by kent to bring up the calcium level and then continue the use of B-ionic to help maintain the levels. Let me know if this makes any sense to anyone out there.

All replys are welcomed.

Thanks
Thanks in advance.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You cannot raise calcium levels in a situation like yours using both parts of B-ionic, as the alkalinity is high, and will try to go through the roof.

You need to add just the B-ionic calcium part, or calcium chloride (the turbo calcium). You will need quite a bit. This calculator will show how much:

Reef Chemicals Calculator
http://www.kademani.com/reefchem.htm

Also, this article can guide you through the process:

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm