Calcium/Alk and PH

I'm trying to get to the bottom of why my SPS have lost some color. I moved to a Vertex Illumina LED about 9 months ago. Within about 6 months I noticed most of my SPS starting to lose color and fade. About 2 months ago, I added my T5's back in to supplement some of the UV loss. I'ved noticed an impressive increase in color of most SPS as well as Wellso's, Acan's, Scoly's, etc. Yet a few SPS are still fairly bleached or browned out.(I know may not be long enough yet)

In testing over the past few months, I've found the following;

Mg is always adequately high at 1500
Calcium may be too high, usually right around 700 - is this of any concern?
Alk is also usually high around 11.8(odd in that I've always seen relation to high Calcium and low Alk...) Would the high Alk have any affect? If so, best way to lower?
PH is a little low usually right around 7.9 to 8.0. Best way to raise?
Also Nitrate and Phosphate are undetectable.

As a bit more info. I use a 3 way doser, dose Vinegar, and BRS Calcium/Alkalinity with it.

Thanks!



Edited by rfoote - October 07 2012 at 1:02pm

Dionysus wrote: Your testing numbers aren't right, are you using a old test?

They are new - numbers should be right. Alk of 11.8 is in dKH or 4.22 meq. if that is the one you are questioning? Thanks!

Edited by rfoote - October 07 2012 at 1:37pm

I was just thinking your alk wouldn't be 12 with calcium of 700.

water changes will help balance things out! Good luck.