Beginning 2-part trying to sort this out

[AKreuzer]

Hey all! I am looking for some perspective and insight on getting into this 2 part dosing.
Params last week when aqcuired the Neptune Trident.
Guessing 160g of volume (150 DT + 55g Sump- sand rock etc.)
PH 7.9-8.2
Alk 6.02
CA 386
Mg 1500 (worth mentioning I had been adding brightwell Mag with water changes)
I ordered the BRS Soda ash/calcium chloride/mag starter kit. Based on recommendations I didnt want to add too much at once so I could slowly bring the params up. I made the solutions, added 60ml of Alk Soda Ash solution and the Alk went to 6.6 Great, PH spiked to 8.4, Calcium I added 200ml and it didnt change the Ca at all.
so the questions
do I need to worrry about how hoigh the PH spikes and at what value do i need to worry? Do i need to to time the drop in PH in the tank in order to add it?
any guesses why CA didnt change?

I did add the solutions in a high flow area in the sump, slowly over about 1min each

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

any guesses why CA didnt change?

Sure. One would only expect it to rise 10 ppm with that addition, and that method likely cannot readily detect that rise.

It sounds like you are on a fine path.