High calcium, low alk. What to dose?

[ninjamyst]

My calcium is 500+ while my alk is 7. I bought Seachem Fusion 1 and 2. Do I need to dose both still or just Fusion 2 for alk if I want to bring alk up and calcium down.

 

[skyon888]

I just use baking soda to bring up my alk if it's low and my calcium is in range.

 

[Irsug1]

Just use the alk.

 

[ninjamyst]

Thanks! That's what I thought too, and I read Randy's article http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry .

But someone told me if I am dosing 2 parts, I have to dose both parts even if my water chemistry is not balanced. I will just dose Alk then.

 

[Irsug1]

I have never found it to be an exact balance with both parts.

 

[ColaAddict]

First check your magnesium level. If its off, your alk/cal will be erratic.
If mag normal level, then try easing off on cal dosing. Cal and alk kinda have a seesaw effect with each other. Try that before putting in more alk.
Alk 7 is perfect IMO. That is normal seawater level.


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[ninjamyst]

I actually dont dose Calcium; I just do weekly water changes. I am just concerned because new saltwater mix with IO Reef Crystals is 11 alk. But my tank remains 6.6 to 7 even after a 40% water change.

 

[ColaAddict]

Check mag lv


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[tinman]

+1

if mag level is out of wack then regardless of how much you dose imbalance still will be there ..

Check mag lv


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[Gary]

Here: This might help point in you another direction.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1329650

It's an old thread, but there's more information on it in other places.

 

[ninjamyst]

Tests were done with Red Sea Pro Foundation:

Ca - 550
Alk - 7
Mag - 1400

Do I need to change things or leave things? My zoas been looking kind of meh and my monticaps are browning out.

 

[ColaAddict]

Your levels are fine. Even with high calcium, shouldnt cause issues. You can just dose alk if you want alk higher.