[coralsandbar]

Here's the scenario,

I got my first calcium reactor from my buddy the other day at an absolute awesome deal (co2 tank, needle valve, pump, etc.).

I had planned to buy a calcium reactor for when I got a bigger tank. I asked my buddy (longtime ancient reefer) if I could hook up to my 50 reef. He said that was fine.

To make a long story short, I left the effluent line coming from reactor into tank instead of into a drip cup then into the tank.

My ph in my tank had dropped to 7.6 over the course of a week. I was worried but not too worried (Sprung says ph of 7.6 or 9 isn't bad but prevents calcification of corals).

I used proper ph 8.2 and occasionally seachem marine buffer (helps raise ph to 8.3 and also raises alk slightly by 1 meg/L.).

As a result trying to bring my ph up my alk has shot through the roof. Calcium was at 450 before Alk reached 34 meg/L now it is 350ppm.

The only marine buffer I could find that didn't raise alk too bad was the seachem marine buffer.

I have since done a 20% waterchange 3 days ago, (getting near my monthly waterchange).

My question is this. If I bring the Calcium up to say 450ppm will this help lower my Alk?

My corals looked fine at a ph of 7.6 and now still look fine at a ph of 8.06 and alk of 34 meg/L.

I may not be able to check your responses until Saturday or New Year's Eve.

Effluent on my calcium reactor is 6.56 ph.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Rob