Help - alk calc mag phos nitrate all lowww

[parvicrazy]

Hi,

New to reefs but not the aquarium hobby. I have an 8-month old sps tank (red sea max e170 w reefled90, supplemental wavemaker). Two small fish, 1 rbta, 4 small sps (stylophora, birdsnest, 2 x montis). I use reef crystals and change 10% each week. Run carbon.

Chemistry test results (unexpired test kits):
Alk 6.0 - hanna
Cal 350 - salifert
Mag ~1200 - salifert
Nitrate 0 - salifert
Phos 0 - hanna ULR
SG 1.025 - calibrated refractometer

Currently have A LOT of green hair algae. Everything except birdsnest seems to be doing ok, growing slowly.

Are nitrate and phos low because of algae outbreak, low bioload (feeding daily), or both?
Why are cal alk and mag so low? Doubt 4 tiny SPS frags could deplete all params to this extent.
Is running carbon messing with any of these parameters?

Anything that needs clarification or any follow up questions let me know!

Thanks

 

[parvicrazy]

Also I run skimmer 24/7. Should I cut back to inc phos and nitrate?

 

[tsouth]

Nitrate and Phosphate are possibly low because they're being consumed by the copious amounts of GHA. The light bio-load also attributes to low nitrates, but ultimately, nitrates again are probably being consumed at a rate that outpaces your input (poop, feedings, etc)

Have you checked what the levels are coming out of your fresh saltwater batches? I recommend you test one, and compare it to your tank water. Also test parameters before a water change, and a few hours after so you can get a grasp of how much is replenished. You can then calculate consumption by testing again right before your next water change.

I do not believe carbon has any effect on any of the above.

I would not recommend unplugging the skimmer as it will cause fluctuations in your PH levels. In order to increase phos and nitrates, you can increase your bioload, increase feeding, decrease water change frequency, and/or begin dosing all of the elements you feel you lack. I would suggest you tackle GHA, stabilize, then increase the bioload which in turn causes increases in feedings. Alk, Ca, and Mg can be dosed and adjusted from there.

 

[html]

Start adding Alk and remove algae manually better do 10% weekly water change

 

[rmurken]

Another thing: 8 months is relatively new. New tanks go through all kinds of phases where they grow all kinds of stuff. I had pink fluff for a month or two.

I’d emphasize manual removal and the water changes. Also, your alk is just plain too low. Maybe your SPS are growing faster than you think? I’d research and decide on a Ca/Alk supplements, decide on a range (all kinds of opinions between 7.x and lord knows what, with corresponding Ca level—don’t lose too much sleep; just get a routine).

But for the algae— removal, don’t over feed, patience.

Also won’t hurt to take your SG up to 1.026. More salt mix, more Ca Alk mg