Chemistry Questions

[kday25]

Hello Reefers!

I was doing some parameter testing last night and found a few things that are off. Can y'all give any interpretations or suggestions on how to bring things in check?

By the way, I dose Aquavitro Calcification and Fuel about every three weeks. I don't use the recommended dosing because i am afraid of overdosing. I do a 15% water change every other week. I know there are more Aquavitro products that can help my situation, but wanted to hear some thoughts from the experts/experienced reefers.

SG - 1.023 (refractometer has not been calibrated with that...stuff, i just use tap water and adjust it to zero...is that a problem)
pH - 8.3 (Elos)
Alk - 5.1 (Salifert)
Ca - 390 (Salifert)
Mg - 950 (Elos)
Phosphates - 0 (API)
Nitrates - 0 (API)

I would like to get my SG back up to 1.025 or 1.026
Also, I remember from previous testing (months ago) that my Alk was a lot higher...in the 8-10 range. But now it has plummeted.
And then my Magnesium.....what would you suggest to bring it up?

Any feedback will be great!

[weaglereefer]

You just missed the Bulk Reef Supply group buy. For Mg, 10:1 ratio of Magnesium Chloride: Magnesium Sulfate (epsom salt). You could drip limewater at night to raise the alk and calcium back up.

A few water changes with good quality salt may be all that is needed to get parameters back in check, though.

[johnr2604]

Like above get some supplements from BRS and follow the directions. You need to calibrate your refractometer with distilled water or calibration fluid.

[kday25]

Originally Posted by au01st

A few water changes with good quality salt may be all that is needed to get parameters back in check, though.

Im gonna start here. From reading this forum for the past year, Ive realized a good water change is sometimes the best solution. Im thinking of increasing the water change amount to 20%, and maybe changing it more often.

I visited BRS.com, a cool site that Ill spend some time on. Mad at myself for not jumpin on that power buy....i slacked a little on the parameter testing.

Thanks for the reply

[kday25]

Originally Posted by johnr2604

You need to calibrate your refractometer with distilled water or calibration fluid.

Thats the next thing Ill buy. After I get the calibration fluid, will I ever need to mess with the little screw again? How often does it need to be calibrated?

[Hackman72]

Originally Posted by kday25

Thats the next thing Ill buy. After I get the calibration fluid, will I ever need to mess with the little screw again? How often does it need to be calibrated?

You'll need to check it periodically anyway. I usually recheck mine on a whim every few months or so and have only adjusted it a time or two. You might also get a q-tip with some distilled white vinegar on it and rub the prizm to get any build up off (you may not be able to see it). That will also give you a false reading. Then rinse it well with ro/di water and then calibrate it.

[mysterybox]

read this over:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php


http://web.archive.org/web/200211270...v2002/chem.htm



http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm



calculator:


http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html



I would ditch the fuel.

[purpleGORILLA]

Might want to calibrate your pH meter also. I can't imagine your pH is 8.3 with all the Alk, Calcium and Mag being so low.

[weaglereefer]

Originally Posted by purpleGORILLA

Might want to calibrate your pH meter also. I can't imagine your pH is 8.3 with all the Alk, Calcium and Mag being so low.

+1

I didn't even catch that, good eye.

[kday25]

I used an Elos pH test kit. That 8.3 could be high. The color strip can be deceiving. I did stare at it for a minute trying to distinguish whether it was 8.1 or 8.3. Is there a more accurate pH test? Or is a pH probe a better choice?

Thanks for the input guys, Im reading the Holmes-Farley stuff now....gonna start dosing this weekend.

[mysterybox]

Originally Posted by kday25

I used an Elos pH test kit. That 8.3 could be high. The color strip can be deceiving. I did stare at it for a minute trying to distinguish whether it was 8.1 or 8.3. Is there a more accurate pH test? Or is a pH probe a better choice?

Thanks for the input guys, Im reading the Holmes-Farley stuff now....gonna start dosing this weekend.

strips suck. meter is best, elos ph kit is very good.

[Amici]

Originally Posted by mysterybox

strips suck. meter is best, elos ph kit is very good.

You need to go get your glasses Ralph lol, hes using an Elos and I think is calling the strip the color card.

[mysterybox]

Originally Posted by dawgdude

You need to go get your glasses Ralph lol, hes using an Elos and I think is calling the strip the color card.

gotcha!

[kday25]

Thanks Charlie, color card is correct. I did the test twice, as its pretty simple. Came up with 8.3 both times. I was kinda skeptical, but it was def darker than the corresponding 8.1 color.
Are there any pH probe meters for less than $100? Or are they priced high for a reason (i.e. they work)?

Im guessing this is the benefit of the Aqua Controllers....

[Skriz]

I wouldn't dose anything to pull the numbers back into alignment. I'd reccomend a large water change (30%+) to return the tank to an aquillibrium. Then go from there.

You can get ph pens for pretty cheap (under $100). They're well worth it & better than a test kit. If you don't already have a controller, I'd look at the aquacontroller jr. You can get one with a ph probe & dc8 for under $300. This will monitor your ph accurately as well as controll the aquarium. You'll love it & wonder how you ever made it without one!

[kday25]

The AC Jr will be put on the list of potentials....looks like its well worth it. So many decisions....love this hobby.

Def a water change first, though. Thanks All

[weaglereefer]

You could get a Reefkeeper Lite, SL2, and pH probe, and you should still come out under $200. Throw in a temp probe and salinity probe for another $70 or so and you can get full control of the tank, including the ability to turn off lighting when the temp is too high, control heaters, fans, etc. It's one of the best values in controllers.

[kday25]

Originally Posted by au01st

You could get a Reefkeeper Lite, SL2, and pH probe, and you should still come out under $200. Throw in a temp probe and salinity probe for another $70 or so and you can get full control of the tank, including the ability to turn off lighting when the temp is too high, control heaters, fans, etc. It's one of the best values in controllers.

This is great. I will look into those. BTW, I checked out your build thread. Your sump/fuge area looks sweet....very well planned and executed. Got any updated pics?

[johnr2604]

Originally Posted by au01st

You could get a Reefkeeper Lite, SL2, and pH probe, and you should still come out under $200. Throw in a temp probe and salinity probe for another $70 or so and you can get full control of the tank, including the ability to turn off lighting when the temp is too high, control heaters, fans, etc. It's one of the best values in controllers.

You will also need another DC4 if you wan't to run a reactor otherwise you will be short on controllable plugs.

[weaglereefer]

Yes, that's true, but I wasn't looking at it in a sense of a reactor, mainly just to monitor pH and control temp, and since the original poster was looking for a pH monitor, this is a very good value.