Help to interpret test results.

Ferkinz · #1 07/13/2001, 11:27 PM

I have had my calcium reactor running for a few months now. Its running nicely. I tested my calcium and alk/KH tonight. Calcium tested out at 380 and my DKH 13.8 or 4.91 Meq/L. Are these two levels in the appropriate balance? I'm happy with both levels, but I just wanted to check with the other reefers on here for a few other voices.

Ferkinz.....

MtnDewMan · #2 07/14/2001, 12:25 AM

Seems like your Ca is a bit low if perfectly balanced with your Alk ... Check this site out, I find it very useful to see what a good balance is :

http://www.andy-hipkiss.freeserve.co.uk/caalkcalc.htm

New Reefer · #3 07/14/2001, 12:50 AM

Hi,

What is the salinity / SG of the water.

The often quoted 400 - 450 ppm is at FULL STRENGTH sea water, with an SG of ~ 1.025 at 26Â°C (35 ppt).

If your salinity is lower, your levels could be quite correct.

Ferkinz · #4 07/14/2001, 03:17 AM

I keep my specific gravity dialed in at 1.024 and my temp stable at 81.5F.

Ferkinz......

Stars360 · #5 07/14/2001, 05:51 AM

Your levals are a lil low you want to be w/ calcium at the 400-450ppm range, and alkalinity at 3.54 meq/l. If you bumb them both up i am sure that you will see a vast improvement in the growth of your hard corals, and your coraline growth..just my .02

brian

WaterKeeper · #6 07/14/2001, 06:10 AM

Ferkinz,

Your calcium is only marginally low. If you wish, you might add a little calcium chloride to bring it up into the 400-450 ppm range. I would not worry about the alkalinity as it is at the proper level (sorry Star360).

By the way, for the most part, alkalinity is not a concern unless you are seeing large swings in pH.

Stars360 · #7 07/14/2001, 06:15 AM

sorry water i thought it said 2.91, not 4.91 my eyes are playing tricks on me..

brian

Ferkinz · #8 07/14/2001, 07:49 PM

I added a 1/4 tablespoon turbo calcium last night. Tonight my calcium is 400 and my DKH is 12.5 or 4.46meq/l I'm going to try and just maintain right here.

Ferkinz.....