77G Reef Tank first wobbly step

[scsi]

it's been 4 days since my last entry. I think I'v got the heat problem licked. I used a couple of 2X4's to raise the conopy a bit and temp has stabilized @ 76-78

I'm starting to realize however that there's a tricky balance between PH, KH and CA levels. Right now my CA is a little on the high side @ 450 or even a little more... maybe 460.

PH is also a little on the high side too @ 8.5. Problem is that KH is a little on the low side @ 100.... 105 maybe. I used one dose of Reef Builder Carbonate Alkalinity over a 2 day period to try and raise the KH level slightly, but I don't want to raise the PH anymore. Conversely, if I try to bring the PH, and CA down slightly with a water change, I'm also lowering my KH level. So....

One problem I might be having is trying to establish accurate readings off the Hagen Master test kit I got. Is it just me or is trying to match up the color of your sample with the chart on the back of the booklet almost like trying to read a crystal ball? The colors don't match very well. Is there a product short of spending money on probes that makes it easier to get a reliable reading?

[DanG]

when those kits run out (or your patience runs out) switch to salifert kits. I've compared Hagen and Salifert kits together and the accuracy is about the same, but the salifert kits just work so much easier. You get your test water in the cup, add parts 1 and 2, and then squirt in the liquid from the syringe until the colour of the test water changes, and it's big change, from blue to purple, no in between, you can tell right away. Just look at the marking on the syringe and match the number to the sheet and you have your number. None of the Hagen add one drop, put lid on, shake, repeat.
The other thing you should be checking for is magnesium, and until that's in check, don't worry as much about ca and alk. Once magnesium is in check, it's much easier to balance the other 2.