How can I balance my minerals in my tank?

[Nolanmf1209]

So I just tested some parameters of my 20g open tank. (Fluval nano light and seachem tidal hanging filter). Here are my current parameters:

• Mg: 300ppm
• Ca: 340ppm
• PO4: 0ppm
• KH: 400+ppm
• pH: 7.8
• NO2: 0ppm
• NO3: 20ppm
• NH4: 0ppm

Why are my magnesium calcium and pH so low if my alkalinity is so high because once I add supplements to increase mg ca and pH it will increase. I’m going to do a water change now. Any advice on maintaining these would be greatly appreciated thank you.

 

[Daniel92481]

Could be a testing error. What salt do you use?

 

[Nolanmf1209]

Instant ocean

Could be a testing error. What salt do you use?

 

[BeelzebubsThrillStick]

Are the minerals trying to stand on a see saw?

 

[Daniel92481]

I’m not familiar with their salt, but numbers for it are Mg 1350 and Calcium 400. I would say test error. Try testing again.

 

[Nolanmf1209]

Not home right now but I did do a 50 percent water change before I left I’ll test again tomorrow and see if it helped.

 

[Nolanmf1209]

Should I consider getting some Hanna water testers? I currently use API test kits and it seems like it’d be a good idea to invest in those to take less time and space and get some more accurate readings

 

[Daniel92481]

Definitely. The Hanna ULR phosphate and ALK checkers are a night and day difference with API kits. You won’t be disappointed.

 

[Nolanmf1209]

after 50% water change it looks like my magnesium stayed about the same which I don’t understand. Does reef salt “go bad”? Alkalinity is still over 400. pH is still 7.8 added marine buffer yesterday and this morning. But my calcium did actually go up to 420. It seems like something is preventing the magnesium from increasing since the calcium did increase. Also I don’t understand how my alkalinity is still so high when I did a 50 percent water change

 

[Daniel92481]

You could have gotten a bad batch of salt. I suggest using the Salifert or Aquaforest testing kit for magnesium.

 

[Blitheran]

i am selling brand new salifert test kits of Cal, Alk, Mg, and nitrate. These are much more reliable and better

 

[Nolanmf1209]

You could have gotten a bad batch of salt. I suggest using the Salifert or Aquaforest testing kit for magnesium.

Thanks man

 

[Nolanmf1209]

You could have gotten a bad batch of salt. I suggest using the Salifert or Aquaforest testing kit for magnesium.

Oh wait I’m already using salifert for magnesium lol

 

[W1ngz]

added marine buffer yesterday

This is probably throwing off your alkalinity. Marine 'buffers' are just magic cures for pH which actually add to your overall alkalinity. Don't fuss over your pH. If you feel it needs to go up, then turn on a bathroom fan or open a window to lower the CO2 in the air.

Review your magnesium test procedure, with those numbers it is almost certainly reefer error and not a salt problem. It might be good to review the correct way to read a syringe.

 

[Daniel92481]

+1 ^