Need opinion on water parameters please

[Darryn Lyon]

I've heard varying opinions about what constitutes "too high", but I just wanted to get a sort of concensus, as I have a few pieces in my tank that are on the mend (a partially bleached monti digi and a bleeding Apple scoly) that need to heal a bit, and I just wanted to make sure my water is conducive to that. I prefer my calcium and magnesium on the higher end of the spectrum, but is my calcium too high?

Alk 10.7
Calcium 480
Magnesium 1500

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

heres a good article. id sat its a bit high but it looks ok.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry
Id look at nutrients and light as far a s bleaching goes.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

What are your NO3 and PO4? I've always read and heard that lower nutrients should be followed with lower alk. I run 0 NO3 and 0 po4, and an alk of 7dkh (salifert test). I wouldn't chase numbers as too much up and down is no good. Consistency would be the key.

 

[ReeferMaddness843]

The calcium is a bit higher than "suggested" parameters, but aside from some calcification on equipment and walls, I wouldn't see it causing a problem. That's my personal opinion as I ran almost 500cal and 1500 mag for a good while with no ill effects. Others may have more insightful reasoning into why not to though.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I've heard varying opinions about what constitutes "too high", but I just wanted to get a sort of concensus, as I have a few pieces in my tank that are on the mend (a partially bleached monti digi and a bleeding Apple scoly) that need to heal a bit, and I just wanted to make sure my water is conducive to that. I prefer my calcium and magnesium on the higher end of the spectrum, but is my calcium too high?

Alk 10.7
Calcium 480
Magnesium 1500

Those values are fine, IMO, unless it is a ULNS tank. Calcium at 480 ppm is not any concern at all. The higher deposition of calcium carbonate relative to 420 ppm is similar to a change in pH from 8.20 to 8.26. Not important, IMO.