mag, and calcium question,

[rapture]

, how do I know how much calcium and mag to dose? whats the procedure on testing to come up with results on that? i rand a test and results came back calcium-400, alk-8.3 phosphate-2.0, ammonia-0, ph low range-7.6, ph high range 8.1, nitrate-50, nitrite-.1 ,,, i had added a bunch of live rock that was told was cured but didn't test when i bought it. i have immediately did a 20g water change in my 125g tank. and replaced the phosban in my reactor .... this is the first time i have came back with results like this.

 

[mike007]

If your nitrate is 50 that is high. You probaly have had some die off from the live rock. In order to maintain correct water parameters you have to test for all the things that you have tested before and adjust your additives to maintain proper levels. As far as ca., alk, mag. they have to be kept in balance with each oter. Thats why many people prefer to use a two part additives. To reduce nitrates you will need to do water changes untill you can maintain a low level.

 

[NanaReefer]

The amount of Ca/Alk/Mag to dose is totally dependent on the amount your tank is consuming. Otherwise anything in your tank that uses it up. This requires you to test daily for at least 2 weeks first. I would not start dosing until this is done. It's possible to replenish these 3 via regular water changes. Dose only when water changes cannot keep up with the demand.


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.

 

[rapture]

I talked to a buddy and he reminded me that I had added 50 pounds of dead sand with the 75 pounds of live rock, he said my tank could possibly be running through a complete new cycle,

 

[rapture]

no mag test yet. water change last night is calcium at 350, ph low 7.6, ph high 8.1, nitrates 10, nitrites .1, alk 9.6, phosphates .5 ammonia 0

 

[TJ's Reef]

The amount of Ca/Alk/Mag to dose is totally dependent on the amount your tank is consuming. Otherwise anything in your tank that uses it up. This requires you to test daily for at least 2 weeks first. I would not start dosing until this is done. It's possible to replenish these 3 via regular water changes. Dose only when water changes cannot keep up with the demand.


+1 There is no need to dose if regular WC's are keeping up with the demand. Unless a high bio-load of Stony Corals you would probably be fine with just doing a Kalkwasser drip or part of your ATO system.

Cheers, Todd

 

[beaslbob]

I would simply use the diy 2 part system here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/reef-chemistry-forum/39332-do-yourself-two-part-links.html

 

[LowezAkar24]

, how do I know how much calcium and mag to dose? whats the procedure on testing to come up with results on that? i rand a test and results came back calcium-400, alk-8.3 phosphate-2.0, ammonia-0, ph low range-7.6, ph high range 8.1, nitrate-50, nitrite-.1 ,,, i had added a bunch of live rock that was told was cured but didn't test when i bought it. i have immediately did a 20g water change in my 125g tank. and replaced the phosban in my reactor .... this is the first time i have came back with results like this.

In regards to your question, here is the answer.
1.Test your tanks current parameters. (Stop dosing everything if you are dosing.)
2. Create a five day tank log.
3. Test the Calcium/Alkalinity/Magnesium for five days with a reliable test kit like Salifert.

You will find your daily consumption by doing this.

Here is a pretty good online reef calculator that can help you get your parameters up to par. Reef Chemistry Calculator. Caution! This calculator is not the word of God so do not overdose without testing. In this hobby, it is more about slow, steady and consistency. One last thing I want to tell you is, do not go chasing numbers. What I mean by this is, if you are shooting for example 420ppm of Calcium and you get 413 or so, LEAVE IT ALONE. I hope this helps with your tank. How often are you doing water changes and how much are you changing?

 

[mike007]

Yes water changes with a good salt mix will often maintain your parameters. But as your bioload increases you may have to replenish these additives. You have to test and as said keep a log and see how much is being used each day then you can figure out what your daily consumption is. Don't get to hung up on numbers your tank will let you know if it is happy.