Alk high and cal low help plz

[fhd]

Hi all, I had 200g reef tank just started from 10 days, 200lbs dead rock and 20lbs live rock, 2or3 inch SB, skimmer off, now I test calciume is down 325ppm and alk too hight before it was 8 now 11, should I use calcium buffer?? Or it is normal in the cycling time every test go up and drop down? What should I do. Plz help
Note: I am using purple up, and for only one week stability seachme.

 

[Eric B]

I would only be testing your ammonia, nitrite and nitrates during the cycle. I think you are wasting test kits testing for stuff when there are probably no fish or hopefully no corals in that tanks yet! Once you test for those 3 and see no ammonia and nitrites and start seeing nitrates then you can probably start adding a clean up crew and slowly work up from there. I would also do a large water change once you show the cycle completed.

 

[fhd]

I would only be testing your ammonia, nitrite and nitrates during the cycle. I think you are wasting test kits testing for stuff when there are probably no fish or hopefully no corals in that tanks yet! Once you test for those 3 and see no ammonia and nitrites and start seeing nitrates then you can probably start adding a clean up crew and slowly work up from there. I would also do a large water change once you show the cycle completed.

So how much should I change? My sump contains 55g it is nice idea to change it all cuz later I am planning for mineral mud so it should be some changes in sump design

 

[Eric B]

I usually do at least 30% or more of a water change after cycle is complete but it is not set in stone as to how much you do but would do 100%. Be careful when adding the mud in the sump as you will want to turn off pump when you first add it so it settles in the sump area and this could take an hour or so and you will also want to put in an area where the flow is slower so as to no cause it to stir up and be swept into the display tank. There are some nice videos on you tube also if you do a search I personally like the Miracle Mud the best but that is only my opinion and have not used Mineral Mud before.

 

[fhd]

I usually do at least 30% or more of a water change after cycle is complete but it is not set in stone as to how much you do but would do 100%. Be careful when adding the mud in the sump as you will want to turn off pump when you first add it so it settles in the sump area and this could take an hour or so and you will also want to put in an area where the flow is slower so as to no cause it to stir up and be swept into the display tank. There are some nice videos on you tube also if you do a search I personally like the Miracle Mud the best but that is only my opinion and have not used Mineral Mud before.

Thanks a lot, I did seach and asking and they are same effect but the price different and I need around 30lbs here in my country is costly miracle mud around $90 10lbs and minerals one $60 for 1 gallon I will think again when I will buy these stuff

 

[Eric B]

Also once you get cycled and you are starting to add clean up crew and fish to the tank then I would still only really test for ammonia and nitrates. Nitrates are best removed through water changes, but there are other methods also (bio-pellets, vodka/vinegar/sugar dosing, denitrators, etc) and with only fish and clean up crew the levels can go a little higher than with any corals just do some research before attempting a nitrate removal method I have mentioned before proceeding. Before you add any corals which I would probably start with some LPS and similar stuff I would buy some nice Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium test kits. I use Salifert for these 3 but also have had good results with the Redsea kit also. There are you tube videos that show exactly how to use the test and show the whole process. There is also a lot of good information on the R2R forum if you just use the search feature at the top and then read through the misc forums. Good luck and take it slow and steady!

 

[Eric B]

Thanks a lot, I did seach and asking and they are same effect but the price different and I need around 30lbs here in my country is costly miracle mud around $90 10lbs and minerals one $60 for 1 gallon I will think again when I will buy these stuff

Yes there is definitely a price difference in all 3 products (Fiji mud being the 3rd I believe) and which ever one you have the best access to and is in your budget is what I would use. Just remember they say that the mud does need to be changed occasionally as well and most people don't use it and still have successful tanks in this hobby. I have only used it on one of my tanks in the past and I don't think it was set up long enough to show any results so I am on the fence about whether it is beneficial or not.

 

[NanaReefer]

May I ask why you've chosen Mud?

 

[fhd]

May I ask why you've chosen Mud?

Some of store told me that it preduce some food for some type of fish and it is make coral growing fast and better also no need for skimmer all time a did some search and most people recommend it

 

[turbo21]

If your all and calcium is out of whack look at your magnesium. I bet it is low


I would not make any changes or dose anything until your cycle is complete

There is no need to use purple up. It is basically a calcium additive and something you don't need to add at this time

 

[vlangel]

May I ask why you've chosen Mud?

Miracle Mud contains necessary minerals for a reef if I remember from my job at the LFS. I didn't actually have a reef back then so never checked out the actual ingredients in it. Back when I first heard of it some 14years ago you weren't suppose to have to dose or do WCs. Of course most reefers weren't keeping exotic SPS then either.

 

[turbo21]

Sorry but in my opinion miracle
Mud is a scam

It doesn't even come from the ocean and is high in heavy metals

And is mostly common sand

Here is the link to an independent test done on the "un" miracle mud

http://www.reefs.org/library/testing/miraclemud

 

[vlangel]

Sorry but in my opinion miracle
Mud is a scam

It doesn't even come from the ocean and is high in heavy metals

And is mostly common sand

Here is the link to an independent test done on the "un" miracle mud

http://www.reefs.org/library/testing/miraclemud

My boss had told me that it was California clay, which is why I never bought it. That and the fact that it was $80 a bag. Like you said, it doesn't even come from the ocean.

 

[fhd]

OMG new things just I know about miracle thanks

 

[turbo21]

My boss had told me that it was California clay, which is why I never bought it. That and the fact that it was $80 a bag. Like you said, it doesn't even come from the ocean.

Nope

And being high in things like iron definitely help your macro algae grow. That's why people think it does wonders lol