TheyCallMeMr.703 August 12, 2013 August 12, 2013 It.s around 700??? Long story. Someone poured too much liquid calcium in the tank. I.m testing rest of the levels tomorrow. Help?
Origami August 12, 2013 August 12, 2013 A big water change is probably going to bring it down fastest and the safest. A couple of 50% changes a half-week to a week apart will knock it down closer to where it should be. High calcium normally doesn't cause too much of a problem in most tanks, though it may make it difficult to hold a high level of alkalinity. If you're not seeing adverse effects, then you can probably just let it decline naturally through both consumption and regular water changes. Calcium does take a long time to decline, though. Stop dosing calcium in the mean time. What is your alkalinity level?
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 13, 2013 Author August 13, 2013 So just got back from the store. Readings are as follows. Over 700ppm calcium. High Ph. Almost lethal nitrates. HIGH alkaline levels as well to match. And Yeha. . . Facing a snowstorm. Therefore. As you said. Got this Bio-Chem ZORB, to help with the nitrates. Doing a 20% change right now. Followed by another set or 2 of some more throughout the night and into tomorrow. I feel as tho as you said, this would be best as it is safest and most like to not have a snowfall. I may even change more water in matter of fact as you recommend... Last time I leave My bottle out in the open
Coral Hind August 14, 2013 August 14, 2013 What are the actual readings? How did your nitrates get up so high?
Origami August 14, 2013 August 14, 2013 Dosing should always be done in conjunction with testing. The objective is to replace the ions consumed by your livestock. Every tank is different in this regard and even this varies with time. I remember when I first got involved with the hobby, I saw a website that recommended that I add so much of this and so much of that on a weekly basis to my tank. This advice was given without regard to how much or what types of livestock I had in the tank. Bad advice. Dose amounts in accordance to need, not some arbitrary schedule that doesn't factor in the specifics of your tank. The overall situation sounds kind of messed up right now. I would mix some new salt water, aerate it for a day or so, and begin making some large water changes. What are your pH and nitrate readings? How do your corals (mostly softies and a few LPS as I recall) look?
lnevo August 14, 2013 August 14, 2013 Thats weird that calcium would cause nitrates to spike. Lot of die off?
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 14, 2013 Author August 14, 2013 I lost a few nice ones, most had multiples, but did loose like 3 that I did not have multiples of... :(. *&#@ Happens, Right?? lol. ~~~ But it was bound to happen. ON the other hand... Everything else is lookin' better now, and my levels are Much better. My nitrates are still a lil' high, but "Do-able". I'm buying more Carbon later to help with the Nitrate levels some more... My Calc is still high, But lowering everyday with my Daily 10% water change, Alk is good. PH good, and now my
surf&turf August 14, 2013 August 14, 2013 Carbon won't help to remove nitrate, get one of these and put in your filter or sump. This will help remove nitrates and dissolved organics.
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 15, 2013 Author August 15, 2013 I'm using a DipStrip, and Doing a Calc. test from API... I am doing a test in a lil'. Will post shortly after dinner.
Coral Hind August 15, 2013 August 15, 2013 Lot of die off? I would think the die would show an ammonia spike first this early but I don't think it would convert that much to nitrate so fast unless he had a bio ball or similar wet dry.
Coral Hind August 15, 2013 August 15, 2013 I'm buying more Carbon later to help with the Nitrate levels some more... I don't think carbon will absorb nitrates.
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 15, 2013 Author August 15, 2013 PH: 7.8 - 8.0Nitrate: 60 ppmAlk: Test Results were unreadable... ? .lol. but looked llike it fell under " the buffer zone "Calcium: around 600 ppm...
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 15, 2013 Author August 15, 2013 (edited) I'm getting ready to do another 10% water change... going to mix right now, and Put in before I sleep, then In the morning, it seems as tho' the corals have enough time to "Adapt", to the new water chemistry and typically look more cheerfull. Edited August 15, 2013 by TheyCallMeMr.703
Origami August 15, 2013 August 15, 2013 New water normally mixes up rather caustic (high pH). It's best to let it aerate for a day to let it balance out with the air. Also, large water changes will bring your parameters into line faster than a series of smaller changes. Sent from my phone
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 15, 2013 Author August 15, 2013 True.... I can Make up about around 16 Gallons or so at least.... I'll start that tomorrow then.... and Let that arrearate...
swimmatte August 15, 2013 August 15, 2013 Can I make a recommendation? Stop using crappy dip strips. For someone that has been in the hobby as long as your signature says, I would assume you would have upgraded your testing equipment by now. IMHO, you have no idea what your readings are, because those strips are junk. Furthermore, I'm from the belief that you shouldn't be dosing ANYTHING without a good test kit.
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 15, 2013 Author August 15, 2013 (edited) True.... I can Make up about around 16 Gallons or so at least.... I'll start that tomorrow then.... and Let that arrearate... ~~~~~~~~~~~~>Of Course.... I agree... I learned the hard way, that nothing should be dosed without be tested regularly. It is unfortunately a matter of having the Fund's for that AtTheMoment... Nonetheless, I make due with what I have... I'm looking to turn one of my tanks into a Sump... I know I'm in the wrong hobby, in a finacial aspect. Through my plan to upgrade my system... there will be a Frag part, Which in plan will be Growing out Fast " Weed", type of corals to help Supplement the cost of keeping a tank... But I do Agreee, I do need to update my test equipment as that will give me a more accurate reading. Edited August 15, 2013 by TheyCallMeMr.703
TheyCallMeMr.703 August 15, 2013 Author August 15, 2013 (edited) And why my Nitrates got so high... I do have a few theory's.... But Atlast... it is now after 2am... to continue those into tomorrow. Edited August 15, 2013 by TheyCallMeMr.703
Coral Hind August 15, 2013 August 15, 2013 I've had my calcium get up that high by accident and I never lost corals. I'm sure it was a combo of all the other bad water chemistry that caused it. I'm surprised with nitrates that high you didn't lose the corals sooner. When you think of the amount of money you lost from coral deaths you can see where buying the right test kits earlier would have paid for themselves in saved corals.
Origami August 15, 2013 August 15, 2013 Get away from the strips as soon as you can. I used them when I started because they seemed convenient but found the results too qualitative and inaccurate at times. Your nitrates could be high because your test kit is wrong. Always question the test kit, especially if the results don't agree with what you see. Your eyes and your familiarity with your tank and it's inhabitants are the best test kit. Regarding growing "weeds" for resale to help support the hobby. Make sure there's a market for the weeds first. Some stuff you can't give away sometimes.
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