Water parameters

[Kalen]

I tested my mg after two days and it's at 1440.

[Kalen]

I've been looking into recommended reef parameters and when I do a Google search I can't find a consistent chart that shows the recommended parameters.

[Stackemdeep]

Originally Posted by Kalen

I've been looking into recommended reef parameters and when I do a Google search I can't find a consistent chart that shows the recommended parameters.

There are such things as balanced alkalinity & Ca tables but the best method if you are just starting out is to simply go with the parameters of the salt you use. Then you are not fighting against yourself with water changes. If you keep coral, then you may choose a reef salt. For instance I use Seachem Reef Salt at 1.026 and my parameters stay at 440 Ca, 9.0 KH and 1320 MG.
After your corals start growing, you dose to keep these levels stable.
Good Luck!

[Kalen]

The red coral pro salt
Temp 77°F
Sg 1.025\6
Ph = 8.2 - 8.4
Alk = 12.3 - 12.7
Ca = 455 - 475
Mg = 1360 - 1420
K = 390 - 410

[tmz]

I've been looking into recommended reef parameters and when I do a Google search I can't find a consistent chart that shows the recommended parameters.

This article by Randy Holmes Farley covers it well:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm

[Kalen]

Thanks. I think you posted that before. Maybe I need to just take a step back and relax. Someone said my mg was high so I started looking at everything and one person tells me one and so forth and so on. I started dosing and got my mg up to 1440 which my lfs said was about right. But does not really match the chart on the site. So I started to question everything.

Thanks tmz

[Mylesweaver]

leave it alone for awhile. just sit back and look at it. walk away for a few and come back and be amazed.....let it settle

[Stackemdeep]

Originally Posted by Kalen

The red coral pro salt
Temp 77°F
Sg 1.025\6
Ph = 8.2 - 8.4
Alk = 12.3 - 12.7
Ca = 455 - 475
Mg = 1360 - 1420
K = 390 - 410

These are just fine and RSCP is a good salt. I have seen a lot of beautiful tanks with a wide range of parameters. Now the real trick to success is balancing what goes in with what goes out. Nutrient import and export. Watching nitrates and phosphates along with visible signs of algae and how often you clean your glass will help you find that sweet spot.

[Kalen]

Originally Posted by Stackemdeep

These are just fine and RSCP is a good salt. I have seen a lot of beautiful tanks with a wide range of parameters. Now the real trick to success is balancing what goes in with what goes out. Nutrient import and export. Watching nitrates and phosphates along with visible signs of algae and how often you clean your glass will help you find that sweet spot.

Thank you for taking the time to explain and break things down for me. Been really helpful.

[tmz]

Originally Posted by Kalen

Thanks. I think you posted that before. Maybe I need to just take a step back and relax. Someone said my mg was high so I started looking at everything and one person tells me one and so forth and so on. I started dosing and got my mg up to 1440 which my lfs said was about right. But does not really match the chart on the site. So I started to question everything.

Thanks tmz

You 're welcome.

I've not used the Red Sea Coral Pro salt. Some have reported difficulty mixing it. You might want to search it up on the Reef Chemistry forum.

FWIW, mine are : sg 1.026 = or - .001, mag 1480ppm. calcium 480ppm , alk 9.4 dkh. They've been there for a very long time. Constancy is important. NO3 is <0.1ppm ,PO4 0.02 to .04ppm. PH 8.15 to 8.35.

[Kalen]

Originally Posted by tmz

You 're welcome.

I've not used the Red Sea Coral Pro salt. Some have reported difficulty mixing it. You might want to search it up on the Reef Chemistry forum.

FWIW, mine are : sg 1.026 = or - .001, mag 1480ppm. calcium 480ppm , alk 9.4 dkh. They've been there for a very long time. Constancy is important. NO3 is <0.1ppm ,PO4 0.02 to .04ppm. PH 8.15 to 8.35.

Since my mg, alk, ca seemed low to everyone I decided to finally spend the time looking into a guideline for where things need to be at. That's all I was trying to find out. I figured since I have time to focus on my tank now I should figure things out. And when I get lost or questions I ask more often now since I'm out on med leave at work. I got nothing but time right now