My Tank Parameters...not as good as I thought...Randy?

[55semireef]

Ammonia-0ppm
Nitrite-0ppm
Nitrate-18ppm
Phosphates-1.0ppm
pH-8.15ppm
Alkalinity-6meq/L
Calcium-370ppm
Iodide-0ppm


Well obviously I have lots of fixing to do. I need to definately lower my nitrates. I almost fainted when I saw how high my phosphates were. I have no idea how good or bad my alkalinity is and my calcium needs to be rasied about 30ppm. Iodide also needs to be raised for some of my inverst sush as crabs, snails and my Coral Banded Shrimp. The only thing that is ok is my ammonia, nitrite and pH.

So Randy...:D

How is my alkalinity? I want to raise my calcium about 30 ppm. Will that affect my alk. to much? I want both to be stable.

About my iodide, what is a good level for that in ppm?

Now about my phosphates, can I just get phosphate remover and put it in my sump? Will that affect any of my shrooms, Hammer coral or my Condy Anemone? I don't want that to kill any zooxanthellae algae.

I know why my nitrates are so high. Its because I have FREAKING bioballs. They have raised my nitrates from 0ppm to about 18ppm. Thats sucks. Should I gradually just take them out, like a handful every day or every other day. I don't want to upset the biological balance.

Sorry about all the questions Randy.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The alkalinity is high, the calcium is a tad low, and phosphate is very high.

A GFO (iron based) phosphate remover is a good way to attack that high phosphate.

You do not know how the alkalinity got that high? Use any pH buffers? tap water?

these may help:

Phosphorus: Algae’s Best Friend
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/chem.htm

Nitrate in the Reef Aquarium
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/august2003/chem.htm

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm


Iron Oxide Hydroxide (GFO) Phosphate Binders
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-11/rhf/index.htm

[55semireef]

I use RO/DI water.

For my additives, I use Oceans Blend Part A, Calcium part1 and Part B Alk./pH buffer part 2.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd boost the calcium to 420 ppm with just the calcium part, and keep dosing just it until the alkalinity drops to 4 meq/l or less,then resume dosing equal parts. :)

[55semireef]

Thanks a lot Randy. So I will just dose with the calcium part for a while and then with the alk. Cool.


Is there any good commercial products for phosphate remover? The iron-based one you were talking about?


Also some more good news. I am getting rid of the bioballs and getting a refugium.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Rowaphos, Phosban, Salifert Phorphate Killer, etc are all brands of GFO. :)

Good luck. :)

[55semireef]

thanks

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome. :)