Reef parameters help

Larry865 · 03/13/2018, 02:25 AM

So I'm currently running a 30 gallon refugium on a 40 gallon tank, relatively new setup only 9 months old. Nutrients are undetectable due to the size of the fuge and the over powered grow light on the macro. Got tired of wasting salt on water changes and decided to start dosing so I ordered test kits and two part. It's been three months since a water change and I just tested my water.
Mag 1480
Calc 480
Alk 5.3

I have used only instant ocean reef crystals which mixes to 1350/420.. How is it possible that my mag and Calc are so high? The Alk is where I expected it to be but I expected the mag at like 1000 and the calc at like 250 due to the coral consumption and lack of water changes. How am I growing mag and calcium? I can't wrap my head around it. I add nothing to my tank except rodi top off and fish food.

RobZilla04 · 03/13/2018, 04:20 AM

Check the salinity of the water. If above 1.025(6) your values will be higher than the mix specs for that brand.

Alk of 5.3 is low IMO. Bottom end of safe is 6 dKH. High Mg and slightly high Cal aren't an issue.

As for dosing, you need to know the consumption rate of your system and dose to replenish. It is entirely possible you are over dosing if simply following the instructions on the bottles.

Congrats on no water changes. Just double check everything to ensure you're not headed toward a disaster.

mcgyvr · 03/13/2018, 04:35 AM

You stated you ordered 2 part but didn't state if you have used it yet..
Used anything else? ph buffer,etc...?

Xxero · 03/13/2018, 10:08 AM

Keep in mind that water changes also serve to remove dissolved organics in your water column. Even with the best of protein skimmers, water changes are an excellent source of nutrient/waste removal.

RCS82 · 03/13/2018, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xxero

Keep in mind that water changes also serve to remove dissolved organics in your water column. Even with the best of protein skimmers, water changes are an excellent source of nutrient/waste removal.

Not to mention any elements, minerals, solids etc. that build up over time because they aren't consumed in the fish tank. I can dose 2 part, mag, trace elements, amino acids etc, but I'll keep doing water changes because I feel like it keeps things fresh.
Just my 2 cents

anthonys51 · 03/14/2018, 07:28 AM

Water changes to me are invaluable. It’s not only to keep nutrients downs it for a host of other reason , to replenish trace elements is just one of them. To me water changes are the kidneys of our fish tank too. I remember the days when I had fish only and could go longer without doing a water change. I remember after a water change my fish seemed happier ( might be crazy).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

03/13/2018, 02:25 AM	#1
Larry865 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 1	Reef parameters help So I'm currently running a 30 gallon refugium on a 40 gallon tank, relatively new setup only 9 months old. Nutrients are undetectable due to the size of the fuge and the over powered grow light on the macro. Got tired of wasting salt on water changes and decided to start dosing so I ordered test kits and two part. It's been three months since a water change and I just tested my water. Mag 1480 Calc 480 Alk 5.3 I have used only instant ocean reef crystals which mixes to 1350/420.. How is it possible that my mag and Calc are so high? The Alk is where I expected it to be but I expected the mag at like 1000 and the calc at like 250 due to the coral consumption and lack of water changes. How am I growing mag and calcium? I can't wrap my head around it. I add nothing to my tank except rodi top off and fish food.

03/13/2018, 04:20 AM	#2
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Check the salinity of the water. If above 1.025(6) your values will be higher than the mix specs for that brand. Alk of 5.3 is low IMO. Bottom end of safe is 6 dKH. High Mg and slightly high Cal aren't an issue. As for dosing, you need to know the consumption rate of your system and dose to replenish. It is entirely possible you are over dosing if simply following the instructions on the bottles. Congrats on no water changes. Just double check everything to ensure you're not headed toward a disaster. __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

03/13/2018, 04:35 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	You stated you ordered 2 part but didn't state if you have used it yet.. Used anything else? ph buffer,etc...? __________________ Who me?

03/13/2018, 10:08 AM	#4
Xxero Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 1,054	Keep in mind that water changes also serve to remove dissolved organics in your water column. Even with the best of protein skimmers, water changes are an excellent source of nutrient/waste removal. __________________ "You Can Lead A Gift Horse To Water... But You Can't Make Him Look In Your Mouth." Current Tank Info: 65g Mixed Reef Display - 15g Macro Algae/Refugium - 40b Sump

03/14/2018, 07:28 AM	#6
anthonys51 Registered Member. Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kings Park, NY Posts: 2,789	Water changes to me are invaluable. It’s not only to keep nutrients downs it for a host of other reason , to replenish trace elements is just one of them. To me water changes are the kidneys of our fish tank too. I remember the days when I had fish only and could go longer without doing a water change. I remember after a water change my fish seemed happier ( might be crazy). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro