Pre Water Change Test Results... Seeking Direction.

[Dom]

It has been 5 1/2 days since my last water change. Typically, I do water changes every 7 days. My pre-water change test results are as follows:

• Nitrates - 10
• Ammonia - 0
• pH - 7.8
• Phosphates - .25
• KH - 107.4
• Nitrites - 0
• Calcium - 380
• SG - 32ppt

Based on what I've learned here (please correct me if I say something incorrect or inaccurate)...

1. I can expect my Calcium to come up (target 420-450) as my SG rises (target 35ppt). To correct this, I will continue to bring up SG via water changes. My last change brought my SG up 1-1.5 ppt; I'm comfortable with this rate of increase.
2. I'm not understanding what is causing my pH, normally rock steady at 8.2 to come down. I've tried oxygenating (I understand this helps bring pH up) by adding an air stone to the sump and also redirecting a power head to get more movement on the water surface.
   
3. My KH rose from 107-125 after a water change, but has once again dropped to 107. I've read baking soda as an additive with help bring this up.

I check SG of my new water and add bacteria to the new water going in. Any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance.
Dom

 

[Dom]

Following Up...

I read this article on Reefkeeping.com (the author needs no introduction <;)>) - http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/

I'm going to open some windows in the room and purchase an alk kit.

Thank you Randy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

That sounds like a good plan! :)

 

[Dom]

OOF!!!!!

Okayyyyyyy.... so I just took a TDS meter to my RO/DI water and got a reading of 159!!!! According to the scale on the back of the meter, that is the same as tap water. And now, as long as I am hanging myself out to dry, one more piece of info; the media in the filter is the ORIGINAL media. The filter was purchased September 2011! I'm an idiot.

Caller: "Hello... Bulk Reef Supply?"
BRS: "Yes; how may we help you?"
Caller: "I have 5 year old media in my RO/DI that I need to replace."
BRS: "We have the replacement media to service that system."
Caller: "Thank you. One more question..."
BRS: "No sir; we don't service stupid."
Caller: "Thank you."

LOL

ALK testing and filter media on the way.

Let the the scolding begin; I deserve it. :(

 

[Anirban]

OOF!!!!!

Okayyyyyyy.... so I just took a TDS meter to my RO/DI water and got a reading of 159!!!! According to the scale on the back of the meter, that is the same as tap water. And now, as long as I am hanging myself out to dry, one more piece of info; the media in the filter is the ORIGINAL media. The filter was purchased September 2011! I'm an idiot.

Caller: "Hello... Bulk Reef Supply?"
BRS: "Yes; how may we help you?"
Caller: "I have 5 year old media in my RO/DI that I need to replace."
BRS: "We have the replacement media to service that system."
Caller: "Thank you. One more question..."
BRS: "No sir; we don't service stupid."
Caller: "Thank you."

LOL

ALK testing and filter media on the way.

Let the the scolding begin; I deserve it. :(

:p:p:p:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for updating us. :)