Calc alk and mag levels?

[Arthacker87]

I just got test kits for the first time in 14 yrs of this hobby lol.
My levels are:
Alk 7.3
Calc 380
Mag 1230
I know alk and calc are a bit low but I wanted to get a general idea of what sps and lps keeper's keep their levels at. I googled levels and mine seem close. Just thought I'd ask

 

[Arthacker87]

if needed
Salinity 1.025
Temp 78.2-78.5

 

[X-37B]

My 120 levels are.
Sg 1.026
Temp 79-81
Alk 7.5
Ca 470
Mag 1350
Tanks 10.5 months old.

 

[Arthacker87]

Yea I'm a bit low it seems. Nice tank!!

 

[Spare time]

Ideally you want it to be at what your salt mixes at.


I keep my alk around 11 but if you go with lps and non acro sps, go with a high alk (such as 12 or so). They will grow significantly faster. Acros need to be in lower alk (aka 8 or 9). Calcium is anywhere between 420 and 460 for me and magnesium around 1400.

 

[Arthacker87]

Its all growing I just want constancy for corals. Trying to be more of a responsible reef keeper.

 

[homer1475]

Yeah an ALK of 12, will probably start to kill things, don't follow the above post.

Typically parameters for a reef tank are between:

7 to 11 ALK
380 to 450 CAL
1200 to 1350 MG
Salinity 1.024 to 1.026

Honestly anywhere in those numbers is fine, your looking for consistency, not an actual number(we call it number chasing).

 

[fishguy242]

jmo 8-9 dkh
450 cal
1300 mg
1.024
sps dom tank
79 degrees 240 gallon

 

[homer1475]

jmo 8-9 dkh
450 cal
1300 mg
1.024
sps dom tank
79 degrees 240 gallon

And in a mixed reef like mine....

7.0 - 7.5 ALK
420 CAL
1350 MG
1.025
78.5 degree

We all run our reefs at different parameters, but anywhere inbetween those numbers is fine. Again you looking for stability in those numbers(small fluctuations up or down, as we all know are hobby grade test kits are not super accurate, is OK) not an actual number.

 

[fishguy242]

And in a mixed reef like mine....

7.0 - 7.5 ALK
420 CAL
1350 MG
1.025
78.5 degree

We all run our reefs at different parameters, but anywhere inbetween those numbers is fine. Again you looking for stability in those numbers(small fluctuations up or down, as we all know are hobby grade test kits are not super accurate, is OK) not an actual number.

agree stable is key ,ph monitor is golden

 

[m_t_r_86]

My tank is predominantly sps and lps with few soft. I my Alk hovers at 8.6-8.9dkh and calcium around 500ppm. I don't test magnesium as my monthly 25% water changes should take care of that. Salinity hovers around 1.025 with my temp hovering at 78 degrees. I run a kalk stirrer set up via apex which for the last few months had maintained my levels beautifully.

 

[Arthacker87]

Its kinda what I was thinking but I'm not experienced in this area so thought I'd give a thread and get some opinions!!! Appreciate it yall. Gonna test and see what drops during the week and see what my dosing (by hand) will have to.be to keep it pretty stable

 

[kyleinpdx]

Its kinda what I was thinking but I'm not experienced in this area so thought I'd give a thread and get some opinions!!! Appreciate it yall. Gonna test and see what drops during the week and see what my dosing (by hand) will have to.be to keep it pretty stable

You're probably going to want to invest in a cheap dosing pump, rarely does hand dosing keep things stable enough to count.

 

[Arthacker87]

Yea I've looked into it for my 250g. Like a jebao or something. This is all newer to me.

 

[Spare time]

Yeah an ALK of 12, will probably start to kill things, don't follow the above post.

Typically parameters for a reef tank are between:

7 to 11 ALK
380 to 450 CAL
1200 to 1350 MG
Salinity 1.024 to 1.026

Honestly anywhere in those numbers is fine, your looking for consistency, not an actual number(we call it number chasing).

No it won't kill things. Salts such as Red Sea Coral Pro mix at 12. It is once you start going to 14 and above that you get problems. Fritz, Red Sea, IO, and others all have salt mixes with alk around 12 that are designed for non acro accelerated growth.

 

[kyleinpdx]

No it won't kill things. Salts such as Red Sea Coral Pro mix at 12. It is once you start going to 14 and above that you get problems. Fritz, Red Sea, IO, and others all have salt mixes with alk around 12 that are designed for non acro accelerated growth.

I agree. I use Red Sea Coral pro, and at 35ppt its 12-12.5, thats by design:

 

[homer1475]

Ok killing things might have been a little harsh, but IMO 12 is on the razors edge.

Specially when NSW is a constant 7, and 90% of the refeeres polled would probably say between 8 and 9.

 

[sarcophytonIndy]

I agree. I use Red Sea Coral pro, and at 35ppt its 12-12.5, thats by design:

Almost the same really

 

[kyleinpdx]

Ok killing things might have been a little harsh, but IMO 12 is on the razors edge.

Specially when NSW is a constant 7, and 90% of the refeeres polled would probably say between 8 and 9.

This is also true, you really have to dial in your nutrients, lighting and parameters. Interesting enough, my most recent bucket hasnt mixed nearly that high.

IMO, most people should strive for exactly what you said 8-9, riding the line at 7 is just as dangerous as 12.5, neither give you much room for error.

 

[Backreefing]

I keep things as
1 8.4 DKH , Hanna
2 460 cal. API (lol)
3 1500 , aquaforest
90 gallon SPS dominated tank , metal halides , no skimmer or sump.