Acceptable swings

[bknapp]

I've been racking my brain and testing every night trying to get my two part (BRS) as stable as possible.
I've seemed to have nailed my calcium as it's been testing out at the same reading for the last three nights. (450 ppm on a Red Sea Pro Test Kit.)

My alkalinity is where I have the most fluctuations. For two consecutive nights it tasted at 8.96 dKH (Hanna Checker) and tonight it dropped down to 8.74.

So I guess my question becomes is that .22 dKH swing acceptable or does it depend on what tomorrow's test results show?

Thanks all.

 

[JOKER]

Brandon do you test at the same time every night? I
had same Issue and I tested at different time so If you test closer to time doser Is running It will be a little higher. I wouldnt think that would be much of a swing but I am new to reefs so just my .02. I like mine anywhere between 8-9 closer to what salt mixes at.

 

[bknapp]

Brandon do you test at the same time every night? I
had same Issue and I tested at different time so If you test closer to time doser Is running It will be a little higher. I wouldnt think that would be much of a swing but I am new to reefs so just my .02. I like mine anywhere between 8-9 closer to what salt mixes at.

I test within minutes of the same time everyday.

 

[JOKER]

I never tested mine back to back since got the dosers dialed to where I think they should be. I test weekly now same day and as close to same time as I can also test same side of tank. I wonder what the % error the hanna has. I would think there could be a little % and that may be whats going on. IMO I don't think .22 would be enough to hurt. Are you having trouble with coral? I am going to try and search on the hanna and see

 

[JOKER]

They say the accuracy is +- 5 ppm so I would say it is just the test. What does your salt mix at? I would target close to that.

 

[bknapp]

I'm not necessarily having any issues with my coral just feel that my growth isn't where it could or should be. My acro growth is disappointing to say the least.

 

[NeverlosT]

In my experience those values that you are getting are equal in the error band of the hanna checker (water volumes, tiny changes in reagent volume, etc). Id say you are stable. I picture more than .5 or .75 to be a fluctuation. Anything smaller, without the presence of a trend is a test kit blip. Good luck!

 

[NeverlosT]

What are your lighting and nutrient levels? Imo that also effects sps growth rate

 

[bknapp]

My nitrates and phosphates stay pretty well in check, I run biopellets. Last time I checked them the nitrates were around 5 ppm (Red Sea) and my phosphates were at .03 (Hanna.)

As far as lighting is concerned I am running three 250 watt Phoenix 14K and eight ATI T5's over a 180. And flow is two Tunze 6105's and a 6208 wave box.

 

[Mandrew]

I'm not really knowledgable when it comes to SPS but I've heard that even 1ppm nitrates will slow down growth. And that 0 or just above will help more than you know. Like I've seen people say their nitrates are
At .2ppm and stuff.

 

[bknapp]

That meant to read .5 nitrates.

 

[Mandrew]

Oh okay makes more sense haha.

 

[JOKER]

I see better color from my sps with nitrate present. As for growth somethings grow good for me and some seem not to but o know I have a red dragon that has doubled in size in just a few months. I read they are slow growers so idk.lol. Just stick with it I think you are very well stable. HAve you tried the no water change like some people with beard?lol

 

[Defect]

I am in the same boat as you bknapp. Alk swinging .2 a day and getting slow growth. Trying to figure it out so will be tagging along with you. This is a months worth of growth...:neutral:

 

[tonymission]

.22 is not an alk swing.. You're fine

 

[that Reef Guy]

I've been racking my brain and testing every night trying to get my two part (BRS) as stable as possible.
I've seemed to have nailed my calcium as it's been testing out at the same reading for the last three nights. (450 ppm on a Red Sea Pro Test Kit.)

My alkalinity is where I have the most fluctuations. For two consecutive nights it tasted at 8.96 dKH (Hanna Checker) and tonight it dropped down to 8.74.

So I guess my question becomes is that .22 dKH swing acceptable or does it depend on what tomorrow's test results show?

Thanks all.

That is nothing.

I have Swings as High as 1.5 to 2.0 with Alkalinity so 0.22 is nothing at all.

Don't Worry.

 

[bknapp]

Just for continued conversation here are my readings for the last few nights.

8-22: 8.96/450
8-23: 9.18/470
8-24: 8.74/450
8-25: 8.84/450

 

[Mandrew]

That seems really good to me.

 

[abinder]

Now I don't know if it's true, but I've been told if you have low PH numbers, that can make the Alkalinity swing.
Would Magnesium figure into it somehow?
(I don't know, just asking.)


Allen

 

[james2369]

I pretty new but I was wounding when was last time you changed the t5 lights ans what brand are you use I had a problem with my growth befor I went to the ati lights and boom It better maybe was luck