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ReefQuestCorals
Well-Known Member
Lets hear about your tank first. You running a fish only system? Or reef tank what type of corals would you be looking at for stock?
Knowing what your plans are for stock or where the tank currently at would tell others what to recommend
Red_Beard
I already did
I think your ph can't be right. Other than that, it depends. You could run fish only like that no problem. Most softies too(aside from the ph. Nothing will like that)
If you want to keep a mixed reef, work on ph and getting phospate down. 1.1 is getting kinda high.
If you want to keep a mixed reef, work on ph and getting phospate down. 1.1 is getting kinda high.
About 3 months ago I went from crystal reef to instant ocean because my numbers were high. Now there are more corals so I am pondering going back to reef crystals. My ph has never been above 8.1 and almost always 7.8 range.
ReefQuestCorals
Well-Known Member
Yea I agree with red beard. PH is more than likely not being measured correctly
Phosphate is elevated and could be lowered to maybe .3 - .5 area but if you are not having algae issues you could slowly lower it over a period of time. Mag would like to see 1300-1450 area and since your using instant ocean it does have a lower mag when freshly made, so you would have to dose mag to keep the levels higher.
Other than that what your parameters are at dont seem to bad.
I honestly never check PH, but what I do know is stability is key. Dont chase a number and ensure your tank is stable.
Red_Beard
I already did
You running a skimmer? If you are running nopox, i wonder if you need a bit more aeration to help with your ph.
Yes. It would.
Im sure you've heard Stability is key
You said mixed reef correct? if so you need to raise your PH to 8.0-8.4 and raise your MAG to 1350ppm-1400ppm so corals can absorb ALK, CALC, and other nutrients eaiser.
You said mixed reef correct? if so you need to raise your PH to 8.0-8.4 and raise your MAG to 1350ppm-1400ppm so corals can absorb ALK, CALC, and other nutrients eaiser.
Red_Beard
I already did
Something has got to be off. How are you measuring ph? Do you have another means to test and get a backup reading? Is your house sealed up super tight? Or are you running a sealed lid/canopy? You getting enough surface agitation? Kalk will help. Reef crystals wont do anything for your ph. They may help with mag though, but so would a good 2 part.
I did a CO2 reading a couple months ago and it was good. I use a Lamonte water check and I have other ways to check. In January and February I was at 8-8.1. I have added corals since then. Yes to the covered lid. I have the return and 1 mp40 and have been thinking about adding another one.
Yes kalk will raise PH, but you’ll still need to add Mag
Red_Beard
I already did
That lid isnt doing you any favors concerning low ph.
Action items recommended:
1. Increase air exchange, either with the skimmer or through some other means. This will start to help with ph.
2. Work on decreasing phosphates. GFO, lanthanum etc. Whichever method you choose is fine, just dont do it too rapidly. .4, .5 is fine for lps/softies, .1 is better for sps.
3. Dose mag back into the 1300-1400s.
4. Depending on alk consumption and current levels, implement kalk dosing to help with ph in parallel with increased gas exchange. Watch out that you dont swing your alk too high or to quickly.
That should keep you on track for a healthy tank.
Action items recommended:
1. Increase air exchange, either with the skimmer or through some other means. This will start to help with ph.
2. Work on decreasing phosphates. GFO, lanthanum etc. Whichever method you choose is fine, just dont do it too rapidly. .4, .5 is fine for lps/softies, .1 is better for sps.
3. Dose mag back into the 1300-1400s.
4. Depending on alk consumption and current levels, implement kalk dosing to help with ph in parallel with increased gas exchange. Watch out that you dont swing your alk too high or to quickly.
That should keep you on track for a healthy tank.
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