Latest Results - Now What?

[tb582]

So here's what I'm dealing with --- what would help lower mag, raise cal? and hopefully adjust alk ?

 

[shadow_k]

What brand of salt are you using ?

 

[Stang67]

yeah need a bit more info. maybe a new tank? Ammonia level? need to get that down.

 

[Gill the 3rd]

Water changes would be required to bring those numbers down, but that also depends on the salt you are using.

 

[tb582]

using Instant Ocean Sea Salt for Aquariums

 

[tb582]

and now reading https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/instant-ocean-sea-salt.204589/ ! *** - I guess reef crystals is what I should be using instead of the sea salt!

 

[Jekyl]

Have you gotten a second opinion on test results and verified salinity? Without dosing, mag and alk shouldn't be that high. Which also means that calcium shouldn't be that low if a result of high salinity.

 

[Gill the 3rd]

using Instant Ocean Sea Salt for Aquariums

Is this a new tank that you just filled? Instant Ocean has a high alk ( I think around 14 dkh), but depending on your water change % your tank shouldn't have a 14 dkh reading. I use the regular purple Instant Ocean and not the reef crystals, but Im only changing 10-15% of my water at a time and dosing for additional supplements.

 

[jda]

Check and recheck your salinity.

If the salinity is correct, you can lower alk in salt mix with an acid. There are many that you can use, but I use Muriatic from the hardware store. Gallon * deisred dKh drop *.123 is the MLs to use. You have to let it mix for a day or two to drive off the co2 and raise the pH back up. I do this with my instant ocean.

I have no idea about magnesium. I have never had magnesium that high with Instant Ocean.

 

[tb582]

I'm kinda new to this fancy Red Sea test kit so maybe I did something wrong - going to recheck now and report back!

 

[tb582]

OK I think I maybe did something wrong last time --- here's the revised numbers::

still doesn't help explain why by zina coral is all closed up!

 

[shadow_k]

OK I think I maybe did something wrong last time --- here's the revised numbers::

still doesn't help explain why by zina coral is all closed up!

What is your phosphate level at ?

 

[vetteguy53081]

So here's what I'm dealing with --- what would help lower mag, raise cal? and hopefully adjust alk ?

Alk high and calcium low. Often lowering alk will cause Calcium to rise. Obviously, do not add calcium or alk until number reach safe range. One way to reduce alk is to add Vinegar to sump at small increments which will reduce alk - Do not add to tank directly. If doing this - keep an eye on ph.
Assure nitrate is not high which can also increase alk content.

 

[tb582]

What is your phosphate level at ?

uhhh I only have a highRange Ph test and I think actual phosphates are a different test ?

Alk high and calcium low. Often lowering alk will cause Calcium to rise. Obviously, do not add calcium or alk until number reach safe range. One way to reduce alk is to add Vinegar to sump at small increments which will reduce alk - Do not add to tank directly. If doing this - keep an eye on ph.
Assure nitrate is not high which can also increase alk content.

sadly I don't have a sump - just my DT.

 

[tb582]

I wonder if I should move my coral - maybe he isn't happy where he's at ?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I wonder if I should move my coral - maybe he isn't happy where he's at ?

It needs more light according to pic and also medium flow. Give it a few bursts with a turkey baster and direct flow towards it NOT at it

 

[tb582]

It needs more light according to pic and also medium flow. Give it a few bursts with a turkey baster and direct flow towards it NOT at it

I guess I need to get a powerhead, other than my FX4 returns … any links to something decent that’s not the hundreds of dollars for the mp40’s?!

Also I think the pic doesn’t do it Justice… here’s a vid, maybe it’s better ?

https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZDeraVZjgu6bXX6uMLLAmPDExsG2HTinyIX

 

[vetteguy53081]

I guess I need to get a power header other than my FX4 returns … any links to something decent that’s not the hundreds of dollars for the mp40’s?!

Also I think the pic doesn’t do it Justice… here’s a vid, maybe it’s better ?

https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZDeraVZjgu6bXX6uMLLAmPDExsG2HTinyIX

Oh yes, if youre relying on flow from a canister unit - not enough.

I guess I need to get a powerhead, other than my FX4 returns … any links to something decent that’s not the hundreds of dollars for the mp40’s?!

Also I think the pic doesn’t do it Justice… here’s a vid, maybe it’s better ?

https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZDeraVZjgu6bXX6uMLLAmPDExsG2HTinyIX

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/pumps-plumbing/aquarium-powerhead-pumps.html

 

[Jekyl]

Jebao off Amazon. Cheap, fully adjustable and mine have lasted years.

 

[tb582]

Jebao off Amazon. Cheap, fully adjustable and mine have lasted years.

Ugh so many options! Got a model number?