General question about levels keeping corals and how often to test.

[ReefKeeper666]

I just invested in several test kits to be able to check all levels in my tank. Based on the info below I was curious if my tank is ready for SPS corals. I have 1 pc and it’s doing ok but just want to be sure. Did a water change last night and checked levels today. How often should I be checking these levels if do water changes every 2 weeks?

55 gallon tank

temp 78.3
salinity 1.024
PH 8.0
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 5 ppm
alkalinity 11
magnesium 1290
calcium 480
phosphates 0.2

 

[blasterman]

It's not the numbers. Its how stable they are and if the tank is mature enough for SPS.

Alk is typically what you need to track most often. Calcium will likely not budge between water changes until you have a large amount of sps coral. I'm assuming you are dosing something because I don't know of any salt mixes that default at 480.

 

[ReefKeeper666]

It's not the numbers. Its how stable they are and if the tank is mature enough for SPS.

Alk is typically what you need to track most often. Calcium will likely not budge between water changes until you have a large amount of sps coral. I'm assuming you are dosing something because I don't know of any salt mixes that default at 480.

I’m not dosing anything I’m too new to this to try that yet.
how often should I check my alk? and how often for the others?
just a ball park idea. I don’t know what to do yet with how often to check.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Typically alkalinity, nitrate and Phosphate once a week.

As stated, calcium and magnesium shouldn't move much with little coral at first.

Stability is key.

 

[ReefKeeper666]

Typically alkalinity, nitrate and Phosphate once a week.

As stated, calcium and magnesium shouldn't move much with little coral at first.

Stability is key.

Thanks!

 

[X-37B]

How old is the tank?
I would get a log book if you dont already have one and log all test for reference.
Now pic the ranges you want to run and strive to keep them their.
For ranges:
I would get your SG up to 1.026 from 1.024.
No3 2-5
Po4 .02-.06
Alk 7-8
Ca 420-450
480 wont hurt as mine runs 480 too.
Mag 1300-1400
I test alk daily but thats me.
I would test alk, po4, no3 at least 3 times a week to get a feel for what your tank is doing.
Ca, Mag I test once a month as they dont change much.

 

[ReefKeeper666]

Thanks!

So, I’ll hold off on purchasing more SPS right now. How long of a history of consistancy Is required before adding more SPS. Few month, 6 months , year?

 

[ReefKeeper666]

How old is the tank?
I would get a log book if you dont already have one and log all test for reference.
Now pic the ranges you want to run and strive to keep them their.
For ranges:
I would get your SG up to 1.026 from 1.024.
No3 2-5
Po4 .02-.06
Alk 7-8
Ca 420-450
480 wont hurt as mine runs 480 too.
Mag 1300-1400
I test alk daily but thats me.
I would test alk, po4, no3 at least 3 times a week to get a feel for what your tank is doing.
Ca, Mag I test once a month as they dont change much.

Yes I’m keeping a log book.
what’s a good way to raise the salinity I’m making my own salt water and it seems like no matter how much or how little salt I add (within reason) to RO water it always comes out 1.024

 

[reef_ninja]

Not sure what to say about the salinity, but if you're adding salt, the salinity is definitely changing. Might be an equipment issue.

Have you seen any of the articles on reef chemistry by Randy Holmes-Farley? They are must-reads for keeping corals if you haven't seen them.

 

[X-37B]

The only way to raise it is to add more salt.
If you are making say 5 gallons add enough salt for 6 and check as it will be high. Then add small amounts of ro/di water until it gets to the level you want.

 

[ReefKeeper666]

Not sure what to say about the salinity, but if you're adding salt, the salinity is definitely changing. Might be an equipment issue.

Have you seen any of the articles on reef chemistry by Randy Holmes-Farley? They are must-reads for keeping corals if you haven't seen them.

I’ll check them out

 

[ReefKeeper666]

The only way to raise it is to add more salt.
If you are making say 5 gallons add enough salt for 6 and check as it will be high. Then add small amounts of ro/di water until it gets to the level you want.

So my tanks at 1.024 I want to hit 1.026. With a 10 gallon water change most my water is still at 1.024. So I have to add water of a higher salinity than 1.026 to mix in. Should I make the 10 gallons hit what about 1.028? Or a lil higher?

 

[reef_ninja]

They're good reads. He's a chemist, so it can get a little detailed, but he does a really good job at explaining things. I have been referring back to these, getting refreshed:

Part 1: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

Part 2: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

Part 3: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

Part 4: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

Lots to digest, but its worth it. Hope this helps.

 

[ReefKeeper666]

They're good reads. He's a chemist, so it can get a little detailed, but he does a really good job at explaining things. I have been referring back to these, getting refreshed:

Part 1: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

Part 2: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

Part 3: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

Part 4: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

Lots to digest, but its worth it. Hope this helps.

everything helps I’m a Noob.Thnx!

 

[X-37B]

So my tanks at 1.024 I want to hit 1.026. With a 10 gallon water change most my water is still at 1.024. So I have to add water of a higher salinity than 1.026 to mix in. Should I make the 10 gallons hit what about 1.028? Or a lil higher?

Whats in your tank as far as fish, inverts.
I would make up 1.026 and use that.
It will take a while but its better to go slow.

 

[ReefKeeper666]

Whats in your tank as far as fish, inverts.
I would make up 1.026 and use that.
It will take a while but its better to go slow.

2 peppermint shrimp 2 turbo snails.
fairy wrasse pajama cardinal diamond goby flame tail blenny

 

[X-37B]

You can also add salt to your ato to bring up SG.
How old is the tank?
Any pics?

 

[ReefKeeper666]

You can also add salt to your ato to bring up SG.
How old is the tank?
Any pics?

A year old no good pics esp knowing I’ve. Even running my lights too low all this time