Help: how high is too high?? Cal/Mag

[Cassian]

How high is too high for Calcium and Magnesium? I use RO/DI water, but I just changed my filters so I suspect that might have something to do with it. I also just upgraded to a new, larger system. could new sand also influence this? ( Hawaiian black volcanic sand). Calcium is at 500 and Mag was off the charts of my salifert test. highest it goes is 1500. I kept adding reagent and it used another 1.4 ml. So im guessing in the 1600's range. please let me know if this is bad. I have a lot of SPS and LPS, so im thinking they will be fine, but ive never had this happen before.

 

[Cassian]

also here are other params if that may help:
alk: 9
salinity: 1.025
temp: 79
PH: 8.0
Nitrate, nitrite, ammonia: 0ppm

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Are you dosing? And what salt brand are you using?

I wouldn’t think changing rodi filters would play a role in your high values but I could be wrong. With those high values , I can only think it’s , 1. The salt , 2. The dosing , 3. Testing errors

 

[Cassian]

Are you dosing? And what salt brand are you using?

I wouldn’t think changing rodi filters would play a role in your high values but I could be wrong. With those high values , I can only think it’s , 1. The salt , 2. The dosing , 3. Testing errors

no I am not dosing at all. and I haven't changed salts in 2 years. I use Instant Ocean reef crystals. This is a brand new tank though, could that be a factor?

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

Absolutely

no I am not dosing at all. and I haven't changed salts in 2 years. I use Instant Ocean reef crystals. This is a brand new tank though, could that be a factor?

Using reef crystals in a new tank might be the problem . I bought me a bag of Reef Crystals early on and it has crazy high levels and I tested it . I would test a fresh batch and see what you get .

You might be better off using just regular IO or another brand with less concentrations of the major elements. I only use Tropic Marin Pro now as it has always tested consistent

Not saying Reef Crystals is junk but use it when you are stocked with corals that can consume the elevated elements.

 

[Cassian]

Absolutely

Using reef crystals in a new tank might be the problem . I bought me a bag of Reef Crystals early on and it has crazy high levels and I tested it . I would test a fresh batch and see what you get .

You might be better off using just regular IO or another brand with less concentrations of the major elements. I only use Tropic Marin Pro now as it has always tested consistent

Not saying Reef Crystals is junk but use it when you are stocked with corals that can consume the elevated elements.

thanks! ill test a fresh batch and see. I have a box of the regular IO as well so I can use the if needed. but are these levels dangerous? or are they ok for SPS and LPS?

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

No I don’t believe these are dangerous levels but they are way off from the sweet spot.

 

[Cassian]

No I don’t believe these are dangerous levels but they are way off from the sweet spot.

thanks!

 

[jaxredsoxfan]

I can attest for not being dangerous. There are many threads about different salt brands and the levels they produce. Its really a matter of where you want your levels and what brand gets you closest. Ive used IO RC for years and several times almost switched, but I like the ALK and CALC a little high - for me I get good growth in my tank with it.

 

[Cassian]

I can attest for not being dangerous. There are many threads about different salt brands and the levels they produce. Its really a matter of where you want your levels and what brand gets you closest. Ive used IO RC for years and several times almost switched, but I like the ALK and CALC a little high - for me I get good growth in my tank with it.

thanks! good info

 

[LesPoissons]

I think those levels are fine but instant IO is cheaper and has levels closer to what you want. You can always swap out a cup or 2 of rc for io if you want a boost. Just keep it consistent. Also w 0 nitrates and 0 phos, you may want to let those values come up a bit. Your corals will thank you for it.

 

[Cassian]

I think those levels are fine but instant IO is cheaper and has levels closer to what you want. You can always swap out a cup or 2 of rc for io if you want a boost. Just keep it consistent. Also w 0 nitrates and 0 phos, you may want to let those values come up a bit. Your corals will thank you for it.

thanks very much! yes, I try to bring up my NO3 and phos, but I cant seem to. im adding more fish soon, and I also feed heavily every day