Dirt-simple chemistry MUST-knows for tank health

[Reefvet]

Originally Posted by droog

Any view on which level of salinity would be better?

If it works don't fix it.


Look at the health of your reef and it's inhabitants. Knowing what the numbers should be is important when you're new to the hobby. Learning to not run a tank by the numbers is equally important but takes some time to understand.

The RS recommendation for higher alkalinity is part of their program for good growth in SPS corals. I believe you'll find different numbers are recommended by RS different types of reefs, Softies vs. SPS etc..

[ryanfrantz]

Thanks for the quality information .

[nanner2and15]

What do you need for a kalk drip in a 15 gallon and 2 and a half gallon

[nanner2and15]

Obviously I'm not buying a calcium reactor for a 21/2 or 15 for that matter lol

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

A slow pump is the best way, perhaps connected to an auto top off system (that's what I use), but some folks use drippers of various sorts.

[paul89]

Thanks for the read mate. I know I have slacked off on my calcium and mag and I paid for it. Corals are still all alive, but don't look happy. Now that I've been raising those elements, the corals looks better and better each day. My calcium dropped to 300 and my mag to 1150!!!

[jaysuper]

well said

[inetmug]

I am looking at the Red Sea Reef kit to start. Over time I might get into the electronic versions. Do they make electronic reef versions? Not sure I have seen one for magnesium for example.

[R6REEFER]

So if I started cycling a tank with instant ocean and wound up deciding I want to do a reef tank instead, how do I go about incorporating the reef salt?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Normal IO is a perfectly fine salt for a reef tank. It is what I use.

[R6REEFER]

Thanks Randy, my first time speaking with you but from what I've read I can't go wrong with your words. If you don't mind could you peruse my recent post about refugium filtering? I'm in dire need of some knowledge

[bdsage]

randy whats the best cal/mag additive to add to io salt mix to raise to appropriate levels? alk. is about 10...i change 5 gals. at a time so what amount would be best.thanks

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd use calcium chloride and magnesium chloride (or magnesium chloride plus 10% Epsom salt). BRS and some other vendors sell suitable and inexpensive bulk stuff). If cost is a big issue, you can get by with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate).

[bdsage]

thx randy can u tell me how much of each to bring to a proper balance for 5gals.@ alk. of 10...?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'm not sure how much you want to raise them.

I wouldn't add anything for alkalinity.

I do boost the magnesium in IO without measuring. I add enough to boost it by ~150 ppm, which offsets loses in the tank, where I never add any. I don't add any calcium to it, but if you do, the calculator below will tell you how much (also for magnesium):

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html

[TommyP]

I'm curious to know why my calcium is so high?

75g DT
20g Sump
I've only been dosing BRS 2 part Alk to get my levels above 9.

Alk 9.3
Cal 510
Mg 1330
Temp 81*
Phos - 0.00
Sg - 1.026

Any input is welcome.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

What salt mix are you using?
Many start at that level of calcium or higher.

[TommyP]

Io Reef crystals

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Then I'm not sure why it is 500 ppm, but that is not too high. If you want it lower, just use only the alk part of the two part for a while and let the calcium decline over time.

[TommyP]

Ok thanks. I've been using just the alk part as it is.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That's a fine plan, assuming you believe the calcium test result. If you did not add a lot of calcium somehow, I'd be suspect of the value since normal IO won't typically have calcium that high.

[claireputput]

I am so new and never have I worked with a saltwater tank-much less reef tank but it is what I really want.
Thank you so much for this explanation-you answered questions I had wanted answers for and answered questions, I didn't realize I had!
Again, thank you Sk8r!

[JohnniG]

Good read. Ty

[rEeFnWrX]

Ah, the things we overlook that when looking back wish we had read a post like this!

[710Reefer]

Great information. Thank you for posting this.