The Propagator Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Would low Magnesium cause my Alkalinity to drop an even after dosing Alkalinity buffer? ? I haven't tested for it because I don't have the test kit but I'll get one tomorrow (Sunday) Link to comment
PurpleUP Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Would low Magnesium cause my Alkalinity to drop an even after dosing Alkalinity buffer? ?I haven't tested for it because I don't have the test kit but I'll get one tomorrow (Sunday) I ran my tank with low Mg for 3mos without knowing it, since I didn't have a tester. During that period, I had to dose TWICE as much SeaChem Reef Carbonate (alk) as I do now. I'd say Mg may definitely have something to do with it. Try the Elos kit. Easy to read. Link to comment
The Propagator Posted February 3, 2008 Author Share Posted February 3, 2008 Well I just read this and I think I found my answer: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/rhf/index.php I think my low Alkalinity may be due to the massive water change I performed during the tank crash last Monday morning. I changed roughly 45 gallons in a 100 gallon tank. The possibility of lowering the Alkalinity never entered my mind honestly. I guess I will just have to keep dosing buffer until it stabilizes. Which can be up to a month I think. I figured it would already be stabilize because of the massive water change ( IE new salt mix having the proper balance already present). NOPE. As it turns out ( If I am interpreting that article correctly ) that what may have happened was the nitrogen cycle was interrupted through partial completion causing the the Alkalinity to drop but not my PH or calcium. Also I added Prime to the new make up water. It chemically neutralizes nitrites, nitrates and ammonia. I think the massive water change, and the addition of the Prime is what caused my now out of whack Alkalinity.. Now.. lets assume you were talking to a bone head. ( which you are ! ) Tell me if I interpreted that article correctly. Thanks! D Link to comment
geekreef_05 Posted February 8, 2008 Share Posted February 8, 2008 Prop.. i didnt know that either. Good peice of info, as I regularly change 50% of my water. Link to comment
The Propagator Posted February 24, 2008 Author Share Posted February 24, 2008 The tank has stabilized. It leveled off almost two weeks ago shortly after I posted last in this thread. Soooo as a little reminder DO NOT DO MASSIVE WATER CHANGES LOL! ( unless its an emergency ) Link to comment
dtfleming Posted February 24, 2008 Share Posted February 24, 2008 Im suprised you dont have a cal reactor prop. glad to here your tank is back to normal. I know mg and alk play hand in hand. I thought higher mg would cause lower alk Link to comment
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