can't maintain alkalinity

[marie]

Originally Posted by fishface

so i've got a marinetech ca reactor and it pumps out the Ca...levels are constantly high...as in > 450ppm. alk however is constantly low...like < 7dKH. i've tried every combination of adjustment that i can make with effluent and co2 but cannot maintain my alk. salt mix i use has low alk (6.5-ish) so i've been boosting this before it hits the tank but am i under any illusions that this reactor should be able to maintain alk levels?

appreciate any input...

ps my mg levels are good at around 1380-1450ppm.

With the calcium levels up so high you may be getting some precipitation happening dropping the alk part. I would stop the calcium reactor for a few days, bring the alk level back up to where you want it and when the calcium drops down to 400 start fiddling with the reactor again.

[fishface]

good idea...i'll give it a shot! thanks for the idea.

[Jason McK]

It's going to be very difficult to bring ALK up with your Reactor. I would get a large box of Bakeing soda and Boraxo mix it 2 parts Bakeing Soda to 1 part Boraxo and dose that to get your ALK back in line.

I would also check your salt in a fresh mixed batch of Water measure the ALK there to ensure you are starting off right.

You should use your Reactor to maintain CA and ALK not to raise it

J

[fishface]

yup...that's the truth i guess! get my parameters straight in my tank and in my change water then i suppose the reactor will be able to maintain...

thanks J,

[Jason McK]

No Prob D.
I have the exact same problem right now.

J

[littlesilvermax]

Having a low magnesium level will likely affect this as well, try keeping magnesium at 1350-1400.