A couple questions! (Phosphates/calcium/mag)

KMS.Kyle · 12/18/2015, 06:10 PM

Hello,

I tested my phosphates today and it was 0.05 and over the last week I've had a little bit of a diatom/algae bloom (which I'm sure was because I screwed up trying to spot feed a sun coral) - it has since calmed down but I notice the algae still there - Is there any methods anyone would recommend to reduce this? I'm guessing 0.5 is fairly high?

I'm using the cities R/O water (Vancouver B.C. - the best tap water on earth!) I know that it can still contain some silicates but the store near my place uses it and has very little to no algae or issue.

That said - My calcium is also at 340 - something I hadn't tested until now (had tank for almost 2 months) (Previously was a 9 month established tank I moved to my place with 50% sand, 50% water - so it had a VERY mini cycle if any) (which could have also contributed to the algae) - Do you think that I should invest in getting the calcium up and magnesium asap? I have some SPS and LPS, softies and a RBTA.

(I haven't tested for magnesium yet.. Couldn't afford the kit yet - doing this for christmas).

Just wondering if I should borrow some money to get these kits now and start dosing or continue with my weekly water changes with my Redsea coral pro salt in hopes it brings it up a bit until I can afford the proper kits/dosing supplies.

On a side note: I've been doing a mini run at vodka dosing to reduce my Nitrates from 10-15ish down a bit lower - but I was told that this could also increase phosphates slightly - Should I just invest in the red-sea nitrate/phosphate reducer or give it some time to balance its self out? (Note: I've seen a massive increase in how much my hammers/alveopora and buttons have opened/grown since starting this 3 days ago)

Thank you - still sort of new to this hobby and I appreciate any help!

Sorry for being all over the place with the brackets - slowly remembered things here and there and tried to write them in! <3

cloak · 12/18/2015, 07:02 PM

Check this out.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/chemistry.php

HTH.

12/18/2015, 06:10 PM	#1
KMS.Kyle Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 216	A couple questions! (Phosphates/calcium/mag) Hello, I tested my phosphates today and it was 0.05 and over the last week I've had a little bit of a diatom/algae bloom (which I'm sure was because I screwed up trying to spot feed a sun coral) - it has since calmed down but I notice the algae still there - Is there any methods anyone would recommend to reduce this? I'm guessing 0.5 is fairly high? I'm using the cities R/O water (Vancouver B.C. - the best tap water on earth!) I know that it can still contain some silicates but the store near my place uses it and has very little to no algae or issue. That said - My calcium is also at 340 - something I hadn't tested until now (had tank for almost 2 months) (Previously was a 9 month established tank I moved to my place with 50% sand, 50% water - so it had a VERY mini cycle if any) (which could have also contributed to the algae) - Do you think that I should invest in getting the calcium up and magnesium asap? I have some SPS and LPS, softies and a RBTA. (I haven't tested for magnesium yet.. Couldn't afford the kit yet - doing this for christmas). Just wondering if I should borrow some money to get these kits now and start dosing or continue with my weekly water changes with my Redsea coral pro salt in hopes it brings it up a bit until I can afford the proper kits/dosing supplies. On a side note: I've been doing a mini run at vodka dosing to reduce my Nitrates from 10-15ish down a bit lower - but I was told that this could also increase phosphates slightly - Should I just invest in the red-sea nitrate/phosphate reducer or give it some time to balance its self out? (Note: I've seen a massive increase in how much my hammers/alveopora and buttons have opened/grown since starting this 3 days ago) Thank you - still sort of new to this hobby and I appreciate any help! Sorry for being all over the place with the brackets - slowly remembered things here and there and tried to write them in! <3 __________________ 66 Gallon Red Sea Max 250 Melanarus Wrasse, Sleeper Goby, Firefin Goby, Pajama Cardinal, Coral Beauty Angel, Coral Hogfish, Pair Clowns, Urchin, CB/Fire Shrimp, 6 Chromis, Clown Goby, 2 Skunk Shrim

12/18/2015, 07:02 PM	#2
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Check this out. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/chemistry.php HTH.