KH/Alk pull down

I have a KH reading of a little over 12 DKH or 4 meg/l and my calcium is 400 meg/l which is good. How can I lower the Alk without lowering the calcium levels. I turned off kalk and discontinued B-ionic. Do you think I should even worry about lowering it? Between 8 and 12 is ideal, but like I said it is a little over 12. Thanks

 

This link disusses how to raise and lower Alk and Calc in relationship to each other

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

From my point of view I would do 2 things.

1. Check the Magnesium levels, should be up around 1300-1400ppm, and if lower adjust.

2. Slowly increase the calcium level, but NOT using Kalk.

John

 

Actually the mag is one of my problems and had already decided on getting some Seachem magnesium concentrate. When I checked the Mag I stopped testing at 450 PPM and the color in the container still hadn't changed. Would it be ok to just use one component of B-ionic?

 

Nah, you don't really have to buy a Mag supplement just use epsom salts and follow the directions here.

http://www.ozreef.org/diy/magnesium_additive.html

As long as the part of the B-Ionic is calcium chloride then it should be OK, but just do it slowly and test often to see what results you are getting.

Anyway, I would just top upthe Mag first and then see what the resultant Alk and Calc reading are before I went any further

John

 

Ok thanks John.

 

Where can I find A good Mag test kit?

 

Give darin a call at 1-866-520-5781. I think that's the rite number. If not his website is http://www.captivereefs.com. Get a Salifert kit.

 

Thanks