Help: Calcium/Alkalinity/Magnesium Out of Range

[nickkohrn]

I tested my calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium with my new Salifert kits today. The levels definitely seem out of range. I am using Instant Ocean Reef Crystals.

 

This is my first time testing, so I definitely want suggestions on what I can do to get the levels in desired ranges.

 

I have a few SPS frags in the tank that I purchased yesterday. The one that I tried to rescue from a tank last week has gone down hill rapidly. It's mostly white with no polyp extension.

 

The levels of the aforementioned parameters are as follows:

• Calcium - 500 ppm
• Alkalinity - 16.6 dKH
• Magnesium - 1140 ppm

Other tested levels:

• pH - 7.8
• Ammonia - 0
• Nitrite - 0
• Nitrate - 0

 

I have not dosed anything, as I just received my B-Ionic pack today for dosing. I only have dry rock in the tank with a bare bottom.

 

Are water changes the only way that I can get these back into range slowly without shocking everything more than I already have?

[nickkohrn]

Well, I made a mistake with the alkalinity. It turns out that I was reading the water line in the syringe rather than the piston's position. My alkalinity is actually 10.2.

[NanoReefer147741]

What is the freshly mixed readings? I'd be surprised if it was 10.2/550/1140 with a pH of 7.8.

 

The Alkalinity is a bit high, if your nitrates and phosphates are zero (you didn't indicate your phosphate level). With ultra low nutrient systems like yours, you want to be in the 7/8 Alkalinity range.

 

Dose Mg to get it up to 3x your Ca levels, but I'd go back and double check your Ca again (make sure you are doing it right).

[nickkohrn]

What is the freshly mixed readings? I'd be surprised if it was 10.2/550/1140 with a pH of 7.8.

 

The Alkalinity is a bit high, if your nitrates and phosphates are zero (you didn't indicate your phosphate level). With ultra low nutrient systems like yours, you want to be in the 7/8 Alkalinity range.

 

Dose Mg to get it up to 3x your Ca levels, but I'd go back and double check your Ca again (make sure you are doing it right).

 

 

I just took readings from a fresh batch of saltwater and the results match the results in my initial post.

I haven't tested phosphates. I still need to pick up a test kit.

[NanoReefer147741]

 

 

I just took readings from a fresh batch of saltwater and the results match the results in my initial post.

I haven't tested phosphates. I still need to pick up a test kit.

Very strange that the Mg reading is so low on a fresh batch. I could be wrong here, since I don't use reef crystals, but I would expect it to be more in the 1300 to 1350 range.

[nickkohrn]

Very strange that the Mg reading is so low on a fresh batch. I could be wrong here, since I don't use reef crystals, but I would expect it to be more in the 1300 to 1350 range.

 

 

So, apparently I am an idiot. I keep reading the water line rather than the dang syringe piston's position. Turns out that everything is within range after performing all three tests again.

 

I appreciate your help! I was worried for a bit. I should be worrying about my brain instead, obviously.