Need help from the big dogs w/calcium&kh

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by missionsix, Feb 26, 2008.

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  1. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I need to get my calcium down so, that my kh will stabilize (and so I have the correct ca levels). Currently my ca is @ 650. My kh is @ 7 and was at 9-10 after some adjustments the other night. It won't stabilize either and I believe that ca is part of my problem. I've got a batch of reef crystals salt water that I started last night with powerhead/aeration and a heater. Calcium level on pre-mix is 450 and kh 11. I need help LOWERING and advice on maintaining ca. Part of the reason of high calcium is my simple top off that I add goodies to and slowly drip into my tank via aqualifter (also keeps evaporation down and water more stable) from a 5 gal. supply. All inhabitants and other parameters available (except mag.) upon request. I've got some corals that I don't want to shock with a 7 gallon water change. PLEASE HELP & THANKS REEFERS
     
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
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  2. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Theres three ways that I know of.
    1. Dont do anything and it will come down on its own.
    2. Do water changes slowly with less salts.
    3. Bring your alk up and that will lower your cal levels.
    Wow, 650ppm
    I personaly, would do either 1 or 2
     
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
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  3. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Thanks LUNA. I am opting for 1-2 also. I have been trying to keep kh stabilized and not adding ca supplements but, that hasn't seemed to work yet. Slow water changes meaning 1-2 gallons every 2 days or, 1 gallon a day?
     
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
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  4. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    How big is the tank?
     
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
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  5. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Oh and what are your parameters?
     
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
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  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    55 gal tank with fuge & sump. Approx. 75 gallons of water total.
    salinity 1.022
    ammonia-0
    nitrite-0
    nitrate-0-2.5
    Ph 8.4
    kh 7
    phosphate 0-0.1
    ca-650
     
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
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  7. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I don't have a mag. test kit ,but, I'm sure I'll be prompted to get one. I already planned on getting one this weekend.
     
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
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  8. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    I dont remember all the little tricks but I think if you also raise your salt to 1.024-26 that will help with your cal. Wait until one of the big dogs chime in and confirm. Ph and alk are related, and your ph is awesome, so yeah, your problem is your cal level. I would just do water changes, to be safe, 1-2 gals/day. Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
    lunatik_69, Feb 26, 2008
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  9. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Wow. That's a high reading. How did you calcium get so high?
    Raising alk via Seachem buffer or the like will lower the Ca.
    Or you can take the dilution method that luna suggested.
     
    Matt Rogers, Feb 26, 2008
    Matt Rogers, Feb 26, 2008
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  10. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Calcium got so, high because of adding too much supplement for evaporation rate. I haven't added any for 1 week. So, I have Kent marine super dkh. If I constantly adjust kh to desired level, my calcium will slowly drop? Within a week my kh dropped from 10-11 to 7 after a test last night. I'm afraid of the fluctuation of kh is going to affect montipora,green birds nest, blastomussa, brain. Everything else should probably be OK. Or, is the high calcium with slowly fluctuating kh better? THANKS FOR CHIMING IN MATT.
     
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
    missionsix, Feb 26, 2008
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