[Samper]

I'm having a problem. I went out of town for 4 days and left my systems in the hands of my dad. Did some water tests on my sps system this morning when I got back cause the colors don't look right. Ca = 430ppm Alk = 7dKh Ph = who knows cause my pinpoint quit working.....have ordered a new probe. I don't know why my Alk has dropped and don't know what my ph is at.
I have the B ionic 2 part as well as plenty of pickling lime on my hands. What do I need to do about the Alk? I don't wanna raise it too fast by any means and end up with a snow storm. Also not knowing my ph makes it a little tricky right? Any idea what might have happened and how to get my level back in the 10-12dKh range without causing problems?

[Ninong]

First of all, you don't have a problem because 7 dKH alkalinity is exactly NSW levels and 430 ppm Ca is also almost exactly NSW levels -- just a tiny bit above, which is good. If you want to return to 10-12 dKH and you are using B-Ionic, just use a little more of the Component No. 1 (alkalinity) instead of equal amounts of each.

If you are using limewater, just add a tablespoon of B-Ionic alk every day in addition to the limewater.

There is no need to rush things because there is no harm that can be done by having alkalinity at 7 dKH. Anything between 7 - 14 dKH is fine. Keeping your alkalinity higher than NSW is just to provide extra safety.

[Samper]

Ok....possibly a ph problem associated with the less vibrant colors?

Also when you say for extra safety do you mean to prevent anything from happening just in case too much Calcium is added or what?

[Ninong]

Alkalinity is a buffer against sudden changes in pH. This is why most people recommend keeping the alkalinity higher than NSW levels.

If you want detailed explanations for the usual chemical interactions in an aquarium, check out Randy's articles: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=102605