15 Alk too high?

[GpixL_]

Todd's pods might just be local here in Vegas, but it's a mixture of phytoplankton, copepods and bacteria to jump start your nitrogen cycling in your tank. The lighting is a more tricky thing that I'm still playing with. I have 3 redsea reef 90led. Set yours to blue 65% and white 35% to start with 11hrs of light.

Wow that high? Someone else told me 25/5. Do you have a link or something for the todd pod?

 

[kent78]

should be an error testing if you didn't dose alk, there are not any reef salt that with high alk as 15 dkh. retest it to be sure.

 

[GpixL_]

should be an error testing if you didn't dose alk, there are not any reef salt that with high alk as 15 dkh. retest it to be sure.

I tested twice. Went from 15 - 15.7

 

[Acros]

Safest to handle method: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/s...in-new-salt-water-or-in-display-tanks.362825/

 

[GpixL_]

How to lower calc tho?

 

[Willb25]

Wow that high? Someone else told me 25/5. Do you have a link or something for the todd pod?

Like I said lighting is tricky and everyone has an opinion. What ever you set it to make sure you start it with the acclimation setting on. I just looked and I guess Todd's pods is local, but ask your local store what they have on hand with phytoplankton and copepods. The used biobags will have the bacteria you need.

 

[KStatefan]

Since your alk and your calcium is measuring high I would verify that your salinity measurement is correct.

 

[GpixL_]

Like I said lighting is tricky and everyone has an opinion. What ever you set it to make sure you start it with the acclimation setting on. I just looked and I guess Todd's pods is local, but ask your local store what they have on hand with phytoplankton and copepods. The used biobags will have the bacteria you need.

Ok thanks. I dont think I have an acclimation setting tho.

 

[GpixL_]

Since your alk and your calcium is measuring high I would verify that your salinity measurement is correct.

Did it again just now

 

[Willb25]

How to lower calc tho?

A high calcium level is nothing to worry about, because your coral will lower it as it consumes it. There is a inverse relationship with calcium and alkalinity. Usually if calcium is high then alkalinity is low (or calcium low then alkalinity is high). But since you just set your tank up work on making the alkalinity is btwn 8-12. These are the the parameters I live by https://m.liveaquaria.com/article/89/?aid=89

 

[GpixL_]

A high calcium level is nothing to worry about, because your coral will lower it as it consumes it. There is a inverse relationship with calcium and alkalinity. Usually if calcium is high then alkalinity is low (or calcium low then alkalinity is high). But since you just set your tank up work on making the alkalinity is btwn 8-12. These are the the parameters I live by https://m.liveaquaria.com/article/89/?aid=89

Ok thanks for that. So the only thing that is really "bad" is the alkalinity. And maybe that will go down because I moved the powerheads? And the calcium will go down when I get the coral. Ummm should I keep the powerheads down like forever or no? Because if thats the problem idk how im gonna get a lot of oxygen and such.

 

[Willb25]

Ok thanks for that. So the only thing that is really "bad" is the alkalinity. And maybe that will go down because I moved the powerheads? And the calcium will go down when I get the coral. Ummm should I keep the powerheads down like forever or no? Because if thats the problem idk how im gonna get a lot of oxygen and such.

The powerheads u will have to adjust once u get more coral based on each of their individual flow needs. Once you get your alkalinity stable btwn the parameters your co2 and o2 exchange will be good and your ph will also be stable at about 8.0. Sometimes mine drops to 7.8 but that's still safe. A stable temp will also keep your ph stable. Be aware that the time of day when do tests matter too. Always do your test around the same time of day. That explanation is a long story in itself involving your room temp and how it affects your tank temp. I hated chemistry in school but not as mush as I hate it now. Lol

 

[GpixL_]

The powerheads u will have to adjust once u get more coral based on each of their individual flow needs. Once you get your alkalinity stable btwn the parameters your co2 and o2 exchange will be good and your ph will also be stable at about 8.0. Sometimes mine drops to 7.8 but that's still safe. A stable temp will also keep your ph stable. Be aware that the time of day when do tests matter too. Always do your test around the same time of day. That explanation is a long story in itself involving your room temp and how it affects your tank temp. I hated chemistry in school but not as mush as I hate it now. Lol

Lol relatable. So just to make sure, good alkalinity creates oxygen exchange so I dont need nor should point powerheads at surface?

 

[Willb25]

Lol relatable. So just to make sure, good alkalinity creates oxygen exchange so I dont need nor should point powerheads at surface?

Yep

 

[GpixL_]

Yep

Nice thanks so much really appreciate it. Do I need to get something to test magnesium to or im chilling?

 

[GpixL_]

Yep

OH and should I get fish earlier to do a fish cycle or would the alk and calc be kinda bad for them?

 

[Willb25]

I have a 75 gal tank setup too where I don't use all those reactors people say you need. It just has a sump with skimmer and ato, so if I were u I wouldn't fuss on getting a lot of unnecessary equipment

 

[GpixL_]

I have a 75 gal tank setup too where I don't use all those reactors people say you need. It just has a sump with skimmer and ato, so if I were u I wouldn't fuss on getting a lot of unnecessary equipment

Ok, and the fish?

 

[Willb25]

Nice thanks so much really appreciate it. Do I need to get something to test magnesium to or im chilling?

There aren't many magnesium testers out there and those that are in my opinion have too many steps and too complex especially for your size tank. Unless you have a **** load of coral than I wouldn't worry about it

 

[Willb25]

Ok, and the fish?

What kind of fish