Calcium, Mag, and Alk question

[fernalfer]

Ok i started dosing Kalkwasser in my ATO but when doing my test my Calcium was crazy high and my Alk was always around 7 dKh and Magnesium was 1290. Because the Calcium was so high and know it can start to precipitate if the other levels don't jive.

So i stopped the Kalkwasser. I have continued my weekly water changes but my last few readings were as follows

Calcium=490
Magnesium=1290
Alk=6dKh (low)
PH=8.1

So my question is how do i just get Alkalinity up and Magnesium up?

And once they are at proper levels can i start dosing Kalkwasser again and maybe just supplement Magnesium as needed?

 

[FrankAbagnale]

I think you need to dose magnesium up and then does alkalinity to where you want it first.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Baking soda is a fine way to go for the alk only additions, but 490 ppm calcium is no concern and I'd just keep using the limewater.

For magnesium, use magnesium chloride or a mix of it and Epsom salt:

Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements for the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

 

[fernalfer]

Baking soda is a fine way to go for the alk only additions, but 490 ppm calcium is no concern and I'd just keep using the limewater.

For magnesium, use magnesium chloride or a mix of it and Epsom salt:

Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements for the Reef Aquarium by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

thanks Randy so you think it is okay to continue dosing my Kalkwasser in my ATO? Or should i supplement Alk separately until they are in a good range then continue the Kalk?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think both plans will be fine and you won't notice a difference between the two in terms of the tank appearance if you maintain the same alkalinity. :)