Help please-need advice on water chemistry

[besl]

My recent water tests show:
Ca = 360 (this was around 440 about a month ago)
Alk = 8 (this was around 9 - 10 a month ago)

So, based on above I tested Mg and found it around 1100. I suspect this is the cause of the low Alk and Ca - agree? Despite my suspicion, I increased the bubble count on the CO2 to the Ca Reactor and nothing changed - this is steering me further to believe it is the low Mg causing the problem. If you agree, what approach should I take to rebalance this. I started dosing Tech-M and I figure my grandchildren will have grandchildren before this drives the Mg to over 1300. Although I do not see anything bad happening to the corals, I don't think they are thrilled with this situation so any inputs will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rays]

Try this http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php#7

 

[reefkeeper2]

Your calcium reactor is used to maintain your alk and calcium levels, but you need to bring them up to where you want them first using the info posted above. Then test occasionally (I do it weekly) to make sure they stay there.

 

[NateHanson]

You could raise the Ca, Alk, and Mg with Baking soda, CaCL2, and MgCl2. That would probably be easier than trying to do it with your Ca reactor. You will need to increase the output of your Ca reactor though. I think your Ca and Alk are low because the reactor is not keeping up with your corals uptake of Ca and Alk.

 

[Andy O]

How is the drip rate coming out of the reactor and into the tank. I notice that over time my line can tend to clog up thus slowing down my rate which once kept the parameters in check but a slower drip let my numbers go down.

 

[smcnally]

I started dosing Tech-M and I figure my grandchildren will have grandchildren before this drives the Mg to over 1300.

You can bump your Mg up the 200ppm you need in one day with no problem. I've done it in the past...just slowly pour in what you need to get it where you need it over the course of a few hours.

 

[besl]

Thanks for the inputs. The levels were ok several weeks ago and are now too low - perhaps the Ca uptake has increased with added frags and coral growth (not a bad thing if this is what happened). In any event I know I have to perform a manual adjustment and not rely on the Ca Rx to get me there - first starting with the Mg.

Steve, I also have 125 gal reef - what chemical/method did you use to boost your Mg when it was off? I know I have to get that fixed first and then I am confident (famous last words) I can get the Ca and Alk up.