Would someone be able to to give me some perameter advice? I am still waiting on my Hanna testers for calcium, nitrate and phosphate. I did use my new Salifert magnesium, PH and alkalinity tests, so I'm fairly sure they're accurate. I used API for nitrate and phosphate (I don't think it's at all accurate).
I have a 75 gallon reef tank with fish, inverts, a BTA, and zoas. I'm trying to get my levels stabilized and within the normal range. I did two large water changes last week that definitely helped, but stressed my tank out. I'm frustrated.
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@thiccbeefpoptart
1y
If you’re dosing anything to raise alkalinity and calcium I’d chill on that for a couple days and test again. I’ve been holding them to about 9dKH and 400-415ppm in my tank and finally saw some growth in my corals really quickly after stabilizing them around there. Both your alk and calcium are on the higher end of what’s acceptable so I’d bring them down just a lil bit, just a suggestion but see what numbers work for your tank and hold them at what your corals like and are used to, good luck!
@Qwarex
1y
I agree
@BrittsReef
1y
Thank you both. Should I do a few water changes and go from there?
@BrittsReef
1y
Also I should add that I've only dosed once in this tank and that was about two weeks ago. I use RODI water with instant ocean for salt.
@billy
1y
What are you dosing? And how many gallons were the water changes?
@BrittsReef
1y
I dosed once (this was my first and only time) about two weeks ago with Reef Complete. The first water change was 30 gallons, the second was 15.
@billy
1y
Are you using Instant Ocean ‘Reef Crystals’ or ‘Sea Salt’? You should be using ‘Reef Crystals’. Also with your current coral you do not need to dose anything if you keep up with a 10% water change each week. Slow changes are always best for coral. Even if parameters are bad you don’t need to change them back quickly. I’d do one 20% water change and then weekly 10%. Don’t tweak things too much and everything will be happy.
@BrittsReef
1y
I believe it is the regular one, sea salt. I'm getting low, so I'll replace it with the reef crystals. Is that the salt you recommend? I hear so many different types being used and am never sure what would be best.
@billy
1y
Everyone has their preference but yes I use Reef Crystals. It better formulated to support coral growth than ‘Sea Salt’. I would recommend switching.
@BrittsReef
1y
I just ordered the big bucket. Thank you for your input. I really appreciate the help. I've had such a hard time getting advice without someone asking for payment.
@billy
1y
Anytime. The first year of this hobby is really tough. Eventually you’ll figure out what works for you and you’ll be on auto pilot.
@BrittsReef
1y
So glad I found this app! Thank you!
@Qwarex
1y
You mean 1630 magnesium?
@BrittsReef
1y
No, 630
@Qwarex
1y
Salifert?
@BrittsReef
1y
Salifert, yes. I retested with Salifert and it was 1020 today.
@Qwarex
1y
Im 95% sure that you tested wrong. Put in 0.6ml first then wait for it to change to pink and start adding till blue. It changes from pink to blue back to pink in the first 0.6 ml
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Calcium = 400 - 450 Alk =7-9DKH Magnesium should be at least 1250 I like mine at 1400 or more everything else looks like it’s in an ok range