High dKh.
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: Reef Chemistry
Forum Description: A place to discuss reef chemistry.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=54543
Printed Date: February 06 2026 at 4:38pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: High dKh.
Posted By: SkylerS
Subject: High dKh.
Date Posted: February 22 2012 at 6:54pm
|
Hey guys, I have a kit that tests dKh in ppm, I got a reading of 240 which translates to 13.44 dKh which I know is high. I must admit that I don't test alkalinity. I was until recently a tank dabbler with several soft corals. I've now accepted I'm a reef enthusiast and I'm starting to hammer down on my parameters. How do I lower my dKh? Ammonia:0 Nitrite: 0 Nitrate: 0 dkh:13.44 calcium 520 pH. 8.4 Mag 1600ppm (increased intentionally for bryopsis) phosphate: .5ppm I used to dose weekly calcium and strontium according to the "beginner" advice on the bottles. No more! Thanks guys! |
Replies:
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: February 22 2012 at 8:01pm
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What brand of test kit? Very difficult to have that high of a dKH and that high of a Ca reading at the same time... ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: SkylerS
Date Posted: February 22 2012 at 8:12pm
| Calcium is API. The alk is a mardel 5 in 1 strip so I know probably not super accurate. What's your opinion? |
Posted By: BillyC
Date Posted: February 22 2012 at 8:44pm
| I suggest getting a good test kit or getting it checked at the LFS. those numbers don't sound right to me either. |
Posted By: BobC63
Date Posted: February 22 2012 at 8:50pm
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API will read @ 500 if the reagents are old (although it is possible to have a 500 Ca reading) Test strips are notoriously unreliable. If your Ca really is 500+ ppm, your alk would probably be down around 7 - 8 dKH... not 13+ Like Billy said, you can take a water sample to a LFS and most will check your water for free. ------------- - My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) - * Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 * |
Posted By: Teknik777
Date Posted: February 22 2012 at 8:51pm
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On a side note are you dosing? If so how much and what? ------------- 220 G SPS Display. |
Posted By: SkylerS
Date Posted: February 22 2012 at 9:08pm
| I was dosing off the bottles suggested beginner doses. I don't remember off the top of my head. but I was sporadic anyhow. I'll recheck the alk tomorrow. I'm sure the calcium is that high though. Seeing as how I was dosing it and it's a fairly new test kit. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 23 2012 at 5:20pm
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Alk is acceptable between 8-14 dKH. Your parameters are okay, just stop dosing Alk for a while. A younger tank full of soft coral and not much coralline algae does not need much Alk and Ca dosing. I suspect a high Ca salt mix is being used which typically tests around 500 ppm Ca even when Alk is at the top of the range. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: SkylerS
Date Posted: February 23 2012 at 7:28pm
| Retested and got dkh of 10. I feel better about that. Thanks guys. |