Goal for my Reef - 1st step towards reef-ractoring

[k2-]

Motivation - "Really too much, and still a problem - and solution of the problem is adding more" - I want to rationalize is less is more in this case or more is necessary.
*** Keeping open mind and looking forward for those who have gone through the same thought before***


Step 1: Defining my reef goal, After much of my debate with myself - obviously I would like to make my reef to be a thriving SPS tank. But I guess i have to start from a little basic (now that i got my flow and light under control - thanks to Christmas upgrade).

Goal - "Create a reef tank with minimal non-necessary inputs which are balanced in nutrients and upkeep (Note balanced - not no 0)"

Step 2 - What are my basic inputs and what is output criteria :
Necessary Inputs - Food, (Underscoring that Light and flow is taken care of), Water changes
Goal Output -
Clean of debris and removal of organics
Ph - 8.5
dKH - 11
Nitrate - 10-15
phosphates - .04 - .10
Salinity - 35 - 37
Calcium - 350 - 450 ppm
Magnesium ~ 1300


Every parameter is within the fault tolerance of 5-7%.

*** Suggestion please if you have more inputs *****

Current State-
ph - Not known correctly (faulty ph meter which is going to be replaced today)
dKH - not known - No way to measure (havent used Hanna kit ever)
Nitrates - 4.55
Phosphates - .17
Salinity - 36.2
Calcium - Not known
Magnesium - Not known


Action approach based on the above -
Inspect - adjust - reiterate - automate

Based on Above (and just want to get the basics out of the way) -

*** Thoughts are welcome ***
1) Sump is needed
2) Skimmer is needed

Refugium ?

1) I have a 200 Gallon Display -> supported by a 40 Gallon Refugium growing Chaeto, Mangrove, Cullerpa and few more
--> Traditionally had it on a 24 hour light cycle, with recent woes - reduced it to 4 hours.

Right size? wrong size? Right duration? Wrong duration?

 

[T-J]

Step 2 - What are my basic inputs and what is output criteria :
Necessary Inputs - Food, (Underscoring that Light and flow is taken care of), Water changes
Goal Output -
Clean of debris and removal of organics
Ph - 8.5
dKH - 11
Nitrate - 10-15
phosphates - .04 - .10
Salinity - 35 - 37
Calcium - 350 - 450 ppm
Magnesium ~ 1300

Ok, you've got a lot going on in this post, so I'm going to pick one section for now.
Necessary input would be coral food. Water changes are not necessary. Coral food can be defined as trace elements, light and macro nutrients. All depends on the coral of course.
You can get these things into your tank via various methods. However, until you have a mature system, water changes are usually sufficient to take care of this. Fish poop is a great coral food.

In regards to your parameter ranges, my suggestion would to keep Nitrates between 5-10, Phosphate under .10 and salinity AT 35. Really shouldn't have any movement on salinity. Calcium should also be at about 420.