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I'm using reef crystals! I'm having to dose alk because it's to low and the calcium is to high. I need to test today to see where the levels are now, I've ordered a Mag test kit, just waiting for it to arrive, so that I can see what those levels are. Do you think that it might be related to the salt mix or is that just normal? I just added my first coral to the DT. Thanks!IMO, it makes little difference what salt mix you use. As long as you know its pros and cons (all have them), then assuming you act accordingly, you will be successful.
There is no best salt mix.
FWIW, I use regular Instant Ocean.
I'm using reef crystals! I'm having to dose alk because it's to low and the calcium is to high. I need to test today to see where the levels are now, I've ordered a Mag test kit, just waiting for it to arrive, so that I can see what those levels are. Do you think that it might be related to the salt mix or is that just normal? I just added my first coral to the DT. Thanks!
Thank you Randy! I was just surprised that it was so far off, before I even placed any coral in there.Alkalinity is definitely not too low in Reef Crystals. It is among the highest of all salt mixes. But the aquarium will be using calcium and alkalinity and that is why you'd need to dose them.
Thank you! I use a D-D Refractometer and I calibrate it regularly. I never thought of mixing the salt, sure wouldn't hurt!The first thing I would do when starting a new container of salt mix would be to thoroughly mix it to ensure there is no elemental stratification that may have occured during shipping. Next, I would make sure my SG is accurate, a poor or mis/non calibrated device can lead you to add too much or too little salt mix, and by extension too much or too little Ca, Mg and Alk. Swing arm type hydrometers can be notorious for this.
Thank you! I use a D-D Refractometer and I calibrate it regularly. I never thought of mixing the salt, sure wouldn't hurt!
I'm using American Marine calibration solution!Are you using a 35ppt calibration solution or RO/DI water? If the later, you would be better served to get a good calibration solution.
Thank you Randy! I was just surprised that it was so far off, before I even placed any coral in there.
I just tested the Alkalinity and it was at 7.392 and the Cal is at 580. I've probably done at least 60g of water changes since my tank finished cycling at the end of October! I just did a 5g change this morning!What was the alkalinity and did you cycle with that water? Production of nitrate reduces alkalinity.
Oh my!I just tested the Alkalinity and it was at 7.392 and the Cal is at 580. I've probably done at least 60g of water changes since my tank finished cycling at the end of October! I just did a 5g change this morning!
Not sure! I'm using my new Hanna checker for Alk, you and I went over how to use that on another thread. Calcium is API and I think I'm going to get something else, Salifert or RedSea.Oh my!
Maybe testing error of the kit?