Coral problem.

FindNem0 · Mar 15, 2017

TinaMarie026 said:
My new test kits were delivered yesterday and I just finished up running them. (I still have an oxy and iron test coming) I would have to say, It seems like the test should be pretty accurate. I get like a chemist! That being said, if I did them right, it doesn't look good. Let me know were I stand and what should I do. Should I retest anything?

Nitrate - 40 to 50
Phosphate - 2
KH/Alkalinity 12.1/4.3
Copper - 0
PH - 7.4
Calcium -240
Mag - 1290
Salinity - 1.024

There is no way your salinity is right with all those numbers. They're all low!!!!! That's exactly what my numbers were to the T when my salinity level was low!!! Except the KH. Are you sure you ran that one right?

FindNem0 · Mar 15, 2017

Bradley Crocker said:
The api kits are expired, aren't they? If so, you should take the salifert results as true. Nitrate is going down, so that's good. Magnesium is fine, so there goes that theory....

If the snail hasn't moved in 24 hours, then maybe you should take it out so it doesn't add to the problem.

I'm telling you. Your salinity is off. I promise you. I just went through the same thing. Buy yourself a refractometer with 35PPT calibration fluid.

nl5882 · Mar 15, 2017

I have a veegee vx3 refractometer and a spectra pure 90 mpdi at the house if you are looking for used equipment in great shape.

TinaMarie026 · Mar 15, 2017

Should I get a 4 stage Rodi or should I look at a 6 stage? Prices are similar.

FindNem0 · Mar 15, 2017

TinaMarie026 said:
Should I get a 4 stage Rodi or should I look at a 6 stage? Prices are similar.

Just being filtered two more times with a 6 stage before it hits the DI. Just means when it's time to replace filters you buy more. If you're not making Atleast 50 gallons at a time you will burn through filters and need to flush your membrane more often. I have a four stage with 45 psi and I change my filters every 4 months and flush my membrane every 6 months. I have a built in TDS meter so when it get around 6 PPM I'll flush the membrane.

TinaMarie026 · Mar 15, 2017

My water samples have been received at the US office and will be on its way to Germany tomorrow. In the meantime, I want to get a better reading on my salt and will be getting a spectrometer.

Bradley Crocker · Mar 15, 2017

TinaMarie026 said:
My water samples have been received at the US office and will be on its way to Germany tomorrow. In the meantime, I want to get a better reading on my salt and will be getting a spectrometer.

Do you know about how long it will take for your results?

TinaMarie026 · Mar 15, 2017

Bradley Crocker said:
Do you know about how long it will take for your results?

I think early next week.

Bradley Crocker · Mar 15, 2017

TinaMarie026 said:
I think early next week.

Oh nice! That's much faster than I thought. I figured it'd be at least that long getting there.

TinaMarie026 · Mar 16, 2017

I just found this. It ha a built in tds and a booster pump. Opinions?
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/p...tm_source=bc&gclid=CPvx28q429ICFQeIaQodW9wEGQ

justingraham · Mar 16, 2017

That's the brand I have so far so good for me but I found it cheaper to go the route I posted earlier

Plus in line tds meters are ok not the best

Frop · Mar 16, 2017

TinaMarie026 said:
I just found this. It ha a built in tds and a booster pump. Opinions?
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/p...tm_source=bc&gclid=CPvx28q429ICFQeIaQodW9wEGQ

I originally got this (see link below). I don't recommend it for high TDS but yours was under 300? So you may have 10TDS entering the DI (or less if the % is accurate). More waste but higher GPD if that's what you were wanting.

http://www.melevsreef.com/catalog/150-gpd-boosted-rodi-system

I saw your link was 5micron and 10micron on the pre filters. I switched all mine out to .5micron since my water quality sucks. Using the spectrapure filters in my current RODI.

TinaMarie026 · Mar 16, 2017

I need quality not quantity. I only have a 30gal tank so 5 to 10 gal/week is plenty. Should I be looking at a smaller unit?

cmcoker · Mar 16, 2017

TinaMarie026 said:
I need quality not quantity. I only have a 30gal tank so 5 to 10 gal/week is plenty. Should I be looking at a smaller unit?

No the quality of the filters is what matters, the rest is pretty much plastic with different logos.. . Have you taken a look at the spectrapure unit I posted earlier?

TinaMarie026 · Mar 16, 2017

cmcoker said:
No the quality of the filters is what matters, the rest is pretty much plastic with different logos.. . Have you taken a look at the spectrapure unit I posted earlier?

I just looked again and it would work. I checked the site and found the same with .5 micron filters and a TDs meter. Might be better?https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/ro-di-standard-cspdi90-unit-90-gpd-spectrapure/
I called to see what booster pump they recommend.

Frop said:
I originally got this (see link below). I don't recommend it for high TDS but yours was under 300? So you may have 10TDS entering the DI (or less if the % is accurate). More waste but higher GPD if that's what you were wanting.

http://www.melevsreef.com/catalog/150-gpd-boosted-rodi-system

I saw your link was 5micron and 10micron on the pre filters. I switched all mine out to .5micron since my water quality sucks. Using the spectrapure filters in my current RODI.

cmcoker · Mar 16, 2017

TinaMarie026 said:
I just looked again and it would work. I checked the site and found the same with .5 micron filters and a TDs meter. Might be better?https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/ro-di-standard-cspdi90-unit-90-gpd-spectrapure/
I called to see what booster pump they recommend.

You have a handheld tds meter right?
Can you get the water quality report from your supplier? I'd have that handy and call spectrapure and see if that refurbished unit will work, it's 100 cheaper..
I use 1micron and they have done fine for me