kH and Ca - trouble raising levels

[christan1959]

Hi folks, am using API test kit and found that my tank's kH and Ca levels are a bit low (7 and 390). Even right after dosing Aquapharm Seabalance A and B, levels remain unchanged. Anyone can help?

[pcw]

Mg levels?

[xiggie]

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html

Try using this calculator .

[christan1959]

I've not tested for Mg level. I used the calculator and it suggests quite a high volume of additive.

[xiggie]

That's the amount u need I guess, those additives are to maintain lvl not to raise . Try sodium bicarbonate for kh and calcium hydroxide to raise calcium then dose those additives to maintain.

[christan1959]

Let me test a new batch of freshly mixed water. If still low, then maybe something wrong with test kits.

[sherman]

Your kh need to pump up to 8.3. CA is still acceptable. MG how?

[ASHWIN]

Firstly Never Trust API..Try Getting A Good and reliable test kit such as salifert..you will be amaze by the difference of accuracy of both test..of course the accurate ones salifert..so this will really give you a solid reading on where your levels are

[christan1959]

Someone told me shld invest in Halo kit (not sure of spelling). Says it comes with electronic reader. Opinions? Cost??

[wanwan]

Hanna checker?

[christan1959]

Oh ya, Hanna. Good?

[tofubox]

Hanna is accurate and gives u a digital readout instead of having to compare with colour charts.

There is however a problem i notice with hanna checkers. It depends alot on ambient lighting if u dont cover the caps with ur hands during testing. Anyone faced the same issue?. Tried it on both po4 checker and kh checker. Inconsistent reading if testing in a well lit room and a dim lighted room.

[sherman]

For KH, CA and MG salifert should be good enough

[christan1959]

And API is hopeless?

[christan1959]

Testes fresh batch of newly mixed water: kH 8; Ca 420. Guess my tank is somehow consuming lots of Ca.