First Build - Follow Along

[TokioSuperGrip]

Some quick help, if possible

My alkalinity was too low on my tank and coralline started bleaching. I was at 6.4 on 10/8, 6.1 on 10/13. I began dosing AFR (5ml on 10/18, 7.5ml on 10/19, 2.5ml on 10/20). On 10/20 I tested 7.4 in the morning, 7.6 at night. On 10/21 I tested 7.6 in the morning, 7.8 at night. I dosed 5ml this morning.

How true is the 3 day rule for testing, or at this point will alk show a quicker change w/ AFR ?

Edit: 25g AIO, 2 months old w/ live rock. Low coral stocking. Still figuring out daily consumption

 

[IceNein]

Have you calibrated the device you use to check salinity? If you have not, and you think you have 1.026, but really you have 1.020 or something similar, then your alk and calcium will be low, as you have indicated.

Your tank doesn't have much to be using alk and calcium, so if both of those are low, with no LPS/SPS then something isn't adding up.

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

Have you calibrated the device you use to check salinity? If you have not, and you think you have 1.026, but really you have 1.020 or something similar, then your alk and calcium will be low, as you have indicated.

Your tank doesn't have much to be using alk and calcium, so if both of those are low, with no LPS/SPS then something isn't adding up.

I’ve been sitting at 1.026. After dosing I’m starting to get more consistent readings

 

[IceNein]

I’ve been sitting at 1.026. After dosing I’m starting to get more consistent readings

Yes, you said that, but what have you been checking your salinity tester against to verify that. You THINK you're sitting at 1.026. You may be. But if you don't calibrate your refractometer, you don't know.

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

Yes, you said that, but what have you been checking your salinity tester against to verify that. You THINK you're sitting at 1.026. You may be. But if you don't calibrate your refractometer, you don't know.

I will test at LFS this Saturday, then get water if needed

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

Have you calibrated the device you use to check salinity? If you have not, and you think you have 1.026, but really you have 1.020 or something similar, then your alk and calcium will be low, as you have indicated.

Your tank doesn't have much to be using alk and calcium, so if both of those are low, with no LPS/SPS then something isn't adding up.

I have two small, small, mushroom corals along with a single small leather. I then have Coralline on the rocks which started to bleach. Would these consume alk and calcium?

My reading for Alk is now high 7's, with Ca at 450.

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

I’m going to add a protein skimmer and would love if anyone has recommendations on model. My LFS ordered a new sicce shark but I think the size will not fit in the AIO chamber and will mess up my light placement

Ideas ?

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

Perimeter update:

Alk 8.0
Ca 450
Nitrates 8.0
Phosphates .29

Any advice here? No issues but some of my rocks seem to be growing white coralline. I know it is not coralline, and the existing is not bleaching, this just looks new

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

I have added a Sicce protein skimmer 150, seems to fit. I had to adjust ATO and heater location. Phosphates are at .02 and nitrates have remained the same. I added 1/2 cup of heavily washed GFO in a bag. This lowered phosphates from .29 to .02 in 3 days.

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

Here’s a coral of mine! I got it on sale. If anyone knows it’s lighting requirements that would be great, I’ve put it in a partially shaded area to start as a test.

A clown has also developed some white dots. Not sure what they are. Will continue to research and watch closely.

Things are going very well. I’m hooked, starting a 9g pico lol

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

Progress pictures

 

[TokioSuperGrip]

I also started a second tank