Dosing questions

[dmurphy0621]

I'm a little over 2 months into the hobby and I am trying to figure out dosing Ca KH and Mg. I'm using all Red Sea products and test kits. But my levels are low and I can't seem to bring them up. Specifically Mg and Ca. Can someone help me out or point me in the right direction?

Salinity 1.025
Temp - 78 degrees
PH - 8.2
NO2 - 0
KH - 8.4 dkh
PO4 - .12
NH3 - 0
NO3 - .25
Ca - 300
Mg - 960

 

[Idech]

I ruined my chemistry for months because of a faulty Red Sea kit (magnesium). It said the levels were into the 1200 and it was over 1600. I’m sure it doesn’t happen often but just in case have a LFS test your water.

 

[Rmckoy]

I don’t know if I can trust those test results …
They don’t even match for a 2 month old tank .
What salt are you using ?
If the salinity it truly 1.025 each value should be closer to what the salt packaging provides .

can you get a different test kit to confirm your results ?

 

[dmurphy0621]

I don’t know if I can trust those test results …
They don’t even match for a 2 month old tank .
What salt are you using ?
If the salinity it truly 1.025 each value should be closer to what the salt packaging provides .

can you get a different test kit to confirm your results ?

I was using LFS salt which is the Red Sea Pro salt. I recently setup my own RODI and now make my own using the same salt. But I've only done 1, 10% water change 2 weeks ago with my own mix. I have the Red Sea 425 G2.

 

[Sean Clark]

Your Alk, pH, Ca, and Mg don't add up. A second opinion is the best course before making any changes.

 

[Rmckoy]

Your Alk, pH, Ca, and Mg don't add up. A second opinion is the best course before making any changes.

Exactly what I was implying .

 

[HighlandReef]

Your Alk, pH, Ca, and Mg don't add up. A second opinion is the best course before making any changes.

This right here!
Params seem out of whack, get a second opinion.

 

[dmurphy0621]

Your Alk, pH, Ca, and Mg don't add up. A second opinion is the best course before making any changes.

I'll take a sample to my LFS. Thank you. Also, would a big water change help? Like 20-25%? Display is 90 gallons and the sump is 25.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'll take a sample to my LFS. Thank you. Also, would a big water change help? Like 20-25%? Display is 90 gallons and the sump is 25.

Nothing will "help" if the values are test error.

I'd look to get good kits, and test them on new salt water to gauge if they are giving plausible results.