Ca, Mg and Alk Help

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by kcbrad, Mar 11, 2010.

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  1. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Just take your time and read and learn, it isn't real difficult if you decide you are going to master it.
     
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Can't help you there, but you will need to watch your alkalinity and pH closely. You should read up on dosing kalwasser so you can learn how it works.
     
  4. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    okay thanks. Google here I come!
     
  5. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    kalkwasser should be used atleast via drip method.. dont want alot into the water at once.. it will raise calcium/alk together. say down the road your calcium is low but alk is good. you'll then want to use say kent liquid calcium booster and not kalk. because your alk wont raise with calcium only booster.. I use both kent liquid or powder calcium. and kalk once in a while.. but my alk is really high, so i stopped for now..

    all this info will take you weeks to soak up.. so just do your research.. some tanks needs are different than others.. so finding out what your tank needs daily/weekly/monthly is the fun part. :)
     
  6. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Haha fun, eh? thanks a lot! I bought some magnesium and kalk from bulkreefsupply and will get my water ready for the water change tomorrow, test that, and see where the levels naturally lie.
     
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  7. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    sounds like your heading in the right direction now.. I see a water change in your near future..

    ::)
     
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  9. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Yep! Tomorrow when I test the freshly made saltwater I will post what the levels are so we can all be on the same page. I might switch salt brands if the levels are really low.
     
  10. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    just remember in a perfect world,

    calcium = mag x 3

    so 400 calcium = 1200 mag with a 8-10dkh

    with dkh up in the 8-10 range ph will be more stable.. dont go over 12 dkh though..if you do,it will be hard to get your water to hold calcium levels.. so watch your kalk dosing.. most people will add kalk powder to there topoff water.. but if you dont have alot of corals in your tank, maybe once a week is good.do a search for a DIY kalk drippper..

    I use a 2 liter bottle with a airline tubing coming out bottle with a knot in tubing and let it drip into sump or better into heavy current by a power head in tank..

    you can do it manually for now, but just be careful.
     
  11. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Thanks a lot! I've learned so much on this thread! I feel better already.
     
  12. Night-Rida

    Night-Rida Finback Whale

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    good you just learned what took me 9 months to master in 30 minutes.. :p