high alkalinity

[105man]

My reef and fish tank just tested at 7 meq/l alkalinity...which apparently is high, but I don't know whether being high is a problem...most of what's talked about is dealing with low alkalinity.

I did notice my PH had dropped a little...it had been about 8.2 the last time I tested, and now is between 7.8-8.0

Calcium, using two different test kits, is between 360-400.

All other tests are excellent.

What would you suggest?

[g. mcclean]

Without trying to make you feel foolish, did you remember to divide the number of drops by 2? Many of the titration test require a division. My alkalinity test requires the number of drops to be divided by 2. Hope this helps. The resulting 3.5 would be right on target.

[105man]

I did divide by 2...it took 14 drops.

Should I stop using B-ionic 2 part calcium/buffer?...does that raise alkalinity?...my calcium, between 360-400, seems good, maybe a little low, if anything

What do you think?

[g. mcclean]

Since I am new to this also I would stop using the B-Ionic system for awhile and monitor your pH, calcium, and alkalinity. I have been adding the 2 part system for over amonth and have yet to bring up my calcium past 360. My alkalinity has stayed at 3.5 which is where I want it. I'm sorry if I insulted you about the division, but it seemed like a possibility. The whole calcium, alkalinity pH thing is a rather complicated chemical balance issue.

[g. mcclean]

Sorry I forgot one of your questions. The 2 part system does raise the alkalinity but in conjunction with the calcium level. I have never seen much of a rise in alkalinity, but they are made to be used together.

[105man]

No offense taken, though I appreciate your concern. The division is one of those things that can be overlooked.

It sounds like the B-ionic two parts are to be used together, not separately. So, I suppose I will stop for a while totally and see what happens.

Thanks.

[mogurnda]

The advantage of having the 2 separate components is that you can dose one one more that the other. 105man, I'd suggest continuing to dose component #2 at the same level, and either stop dosing #1 or reduce it until things get back in line. g. mcclean, you might try increasing your dose of #2 until the Ca gets to where you want it.

Ultimately, you will want to have your levels to the point that you can add equal amounts of both components. At the start, though, they can often be out of balance. If youu add equal amounts of Ca and CO3 to the tank, they will stay out of balance.

Pardon me if I'm repeating myself, but I really foung this article (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm) to be incredibly helpful in understanding the issue.

[105man]

great...thanks for the advice.

[g. mcclean]

Dave, Thanks again for excellent advise. Sometimes it is difficult to know how much "tweaking" can safely be done. I had also thought of adding limewater to the system in addition to the 2 part system. The article you linked was a big help. I plan to print that and add it to my "noebook". Thanks again.

[mogurnda]

Glad to hear you liked the article as much as I did!