Water Quality levels

[BigMike75]

I have a frag tank up and running and would like to get your opinion on the levels. I am new to this. I am using Reef Crystals and the levels are just like in the salt mix thread.

PH: 8.2 Cal: 490 Alk: 13 Mag: 1440

Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, and Ph are all 0.

Will these levels be fine or should I change anything?

[Percula9]

The alk level is a little on the high side. What specific gravity are you measuring at?

[BigMike75]

35.0 ppt or 1.0264 SG I calibrated the refactor with Pinpoint Salinity monitor.

[Percula9]

Is this a reef tank or a fish only? Try Ocean Pure Pro salt.

[BigMike75]

It's a Frag tank to grow out my corals.

[Percula9]

I just don't care for alk that high. The recommended levels are 7-11dkh. What test are you using to measure alk?

[BigMike75]

API and it went right with what Reef crystals is suppose to have. So, I think it is pretty accurate.

[Percula9]

I'm sure it's accurate, but as I said, I don't like alk that high. As long as your livestock is alright then I wouldn't worry about it.

[Billybeau1]

Is this a reef tank or a fish only? Try Ocean Pure Pro salt.

Perc, you are not pushing Ocean Pure Pro, are you ?

That is not consistent with what we teach here. But you know that, right ?

Big Mike, I wouldn't change a thing unless you see undesirable results. Your eyes are the best test kit. If it looks good , it probably is. :)

BTW, the salt you are using is the most widely used salt by reefers today.

I'd keep on keepin' on until you don't like something you see. :)

[BigMike75]

I am sure when my stonies get to growing the levels will drop some. I would like to keep the Alk around 10-11 and Mag around 1350-1400. I have a 2 part kit for this when I need it.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I just would not add any buffers or alkalinity supplements until the alk declines.

This has more:

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

[BigMike75]

I just would not add any buffers or alkalintiy supplements untilt eh alk decliens.

This has more:

Reef Aquarium Water Parameters
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

I had just visited that page. ;) Thanks

[Percula9]

I'm not pushing any body's salt, just a suggestion to try something else. People can make their own decision about what to use. I don't feel I did any thing improper. People recommend products to use or not to use all the time in this forum.

[BigMike75]

I will stick with Reef Crystals because I have enough for about 600 gallons. I will just not dose anything till my Mag and Alk drop down some.

[Billybeau1]

I'm not pushing any body's salt, just a suggestion to try something else. People can make their own decision about what to use. I don't feel I did any thing improper. People recommend products to use or not to use all the time in this forum.

Easy Perc, It was a little joke. You know I value your opinions and am always glad to see you posting in the Chem Forum. :)

I guess others who don't frequent that often probably wouldn't see it that way.

Sorry buddy. :D

[Billybeau1]

I will stick with Reef Crystals because I have enough for about 600 gallons. I will just not dose anything till my Mag and Alk drop down some.

Sounds like a good plan :)

[Percula9]

I'm sorry I felt a little offended, no hard feelings. My wife has been recovering from major heart surgery for the last four months and it has been a tough recovery. I guess the stress of working three jobs and taking care of her has taken its toll.

[tmz]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Hang in there. Hoe your wife recovers soon.

[Percula9]

Thanks for your concern, she is getting better.

[BigMike75]

How long does it usually take for the levels to start dropping? This has been with frags in the tank for about 15 days. The levels are about the same numbers. I have about 15 SPS frags and a few of them are larger pieces. I also have 6 LPS frags and these are nice size also. I was kind of waiting to do a water change till the levels started declining but it has been running for about 3 weeks, with a little over 2 with frags. I guess I will go ahead and do about a 15 gallon water change, total water volume is about 120. I wouldn't think it would raise any of these levels because that is what I started with. I am just wanting to replenish some of the minerals in the water.

I am not complaining because the Calcium and Mag levels are good compared to everything that I have read, but I am trying to let the Alk levels come down on their on. I know that it matters when you take the PH reading either light or dark period, but does it matter about the other levels?

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[BigMike75]

Bump..

[timmyb770]

it shouldnt take that long if there are corals in there using the elements..

[bertoni]

Alkalinity isn't affected by lighting, not directly. It does provide energy for corals to grow, but that's about it. How rapidly are the frags growing?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What is the alk now?

[BigMike75]

After water change last night.

PH: 8.08
Cal: 480
Alk:12
Mag: 1500

I am using a API test kit and on the Alk test after 11 drops I get a greenish yellow color but when I put in the 12th drop I get a solid yellow color. Am I doing the test right? What I read in the instruction you want a yellow color.

I can't say that I have saw any major growth but these are frags that I have had for about 2.5 weeks. I have a friend that broke me off a large piece of his orange Monticap and where the part was white from the brake it has done turned back orange. You can't tell where the brake was.

[bertoni]

That sounds like a healthy coral to me.

[tmz]

While , 12 or 13 might work for you , I'd personaly aim for around 9 or 10. Anecdotaly, for me if alk jumps into the teens, I usually see some stn/burnt tips but then every system is different.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I've not used the kit, but that sounds reasonable.

You are adding nothing, right? No tap water? No buffers? No other supplements?

I'd just keep monitoring the alkalinity. :)

[BigMike75]

I am using RO/DI water for top off. I have added no type of buffers or supplement. I would like to get it down to 9 or 10 so I can start maintaining it. I have BRS 2 part kit recipe 1 that should raise the PH a little bit.