rovster
10/03/2011, 08:04 AM
Hey all, I've been reading a bit on parameters and testing and adjusting. Sk8rs blog was especially helpful. Up until now, I've pretty much been testing everything but mag (go figure, its the most important), but I also figure since my cal/alk was within range, then mag should be good, I know that now ;)
Anyway, I've added another LPS and my first SPS as a practice run in my cube and I want to start to monitor parameters and take a little more control over my levels. I do have several LPS in the tank, that are doing great, and now with the new additions, I know it will be a bit more taxing, or at least hopefully it will because it means they're growing :)
The reason I'm posting this is that I was looking for some recommendations on a few things:
1. Good test kit for mag
2. Good source/product to dose mag
3. Good source to dose alk
4. Good source to dose cal
Right now I have the API SW master kit, and I bought Cal, kH, and Phos seperately. I know they are not the most highly regarded kit, but for now I think/hope it will suffice. I also have Kent A/B for nanos that I have been following the instructions on and dose almost every morning (been doing this for a couple of weeks). I can't recall my actual parameters off the top of my head, but it was within normal limits according to posted parameters and the test kit chart. Maybe a little low on cal and kH, but still within range. For the last 2 months I have been using LFS salt water with Reef Crystals added to boost salinity from 1.021 to 1.025/6ish on my refractometer. I just got a bucket of Red Sea Pro salt and will start mixing my own batches of salt water with LFS RO water. I am planning a RO/DI purchase within 2-3 weeks so I can start making my own water. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Anyway, I've added another LPS and my first SPS as a practice run in my cube and I want to start to monitor parameters and take a little more control over my levels. I do have several LPS in the tank, that are doing great, and now with the new additions, I know it will be a bit more taxing, or at least hopefully it will because it means they're growing :)
The reason I'm posting this is that I was looking for some recommendations on a few things:
1. Good test kit for mag
2. Good source/product to dose mag
3. Good source to dose alk
4. Good source to dose cal
Right now I have the API SW master kit, and I bought Cal, kH, and Phos seperately. I know they are not the most highly regarded kit, but for now I think/hope it will suffice. I also have Kent A/B for nanos that I have been following the instructions on and dose almost every morning (been doing this for a couple of weeks). I can't recall my actual parameters off the top of my head, but it was within normal limits according to posted parameters and the test kit chart. Maybe a little low on cal and kH, but still within range. For the last 2 months I have been using LFS salt water with Reef Crystals added to boost salinity from 1.021 to 1.025/6ish on my refractometer. I just got a bucket of Red Sea Pro salt and will start mixing my own batches of salt water with LFS RO water. I am planning a RO/DI purchase within 2-3 weeks so I can start making my own water. Thanks in advance for your feedback.