Chemistry

I would start with getting your Mag checked. 30 drops is crazy, try a different test kit.

 

Are you using RO/DI water? The alkalinity of my tap water is 20+.

 

I agree with Mike, try a different test kit. Do you mix up the salt before using it as salt can tend to settle out and throw off a param. As long as your CA and Mag are within norm, you can just let the Alk get back within range from normal WC's. You might want to consider using a salt which has lower levels until your tank needs higher. I believe it's Reefkeeping Magazine (online) where Randy Holmes-Farley has a few articles on Ca, Alk and Mag which you might want to read Jason. Maybe someone can post the link...if not, just do a search there using Randy's name and you should find it :-0)

 

Is there something in your tank that doesn't look good? I ask because I feel we sometimes get stuck on chemistry and test kits rather than just looking at our tanks. If everything looks fine, don't fight it! Don;t worry, be happy! /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif

 

Make sure to mix well after a drop is added and wait a second. You can sometimes miss the color change, if you go too quickly, then you keep adding drops and it gets messed up......how old is the test? I would definitely take it in and have someone else test it and see what they come up with.

 

I couldn't agree more with you Bela!This very subject came up one day at the store, and I feel some people use way more chemicals then is really needed.

 

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102605

 

I would switch to regular instant ocean salt for awhile reef crystals has crazy high alk levels and unless you have a lot of sps corals regular instant ocean will be good enough

 

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry This should help :=0)