My hammers wont open all the way!!!

[joshkirkland83]

@joshkirkland83 I sidnt bring enough water with me, but I do have a hydrometer at my house

I know. It needs to be checked with a refractometer.

 

[Mike628]

@joshkirkland83 They do not have a refractometer sadley. Here are the test results

Nitrate: 20

Nitrites: 0

Ammonia: 0

pH: 7.4

 

[Mike628]

They told me to get kent marine pro buffer dKH. Its the liquid form. Do I need to get it?

 

[joshkirkland83]

They told me to get kent marine pro buffer dKH. Its the liquid form. Do I need to get it?

I wouldnt add anything until you check alk and salinity. Id do a waterchange to hold you over until you can get it tested.

 

[Mike628]

Ok how big of a water change? Should 4 gallons be enough? Thats all I can carry home with me lol

 

[joshkirkland83]

How many gal is the tank?

 

[Mike628]

Its a biocube 29 gallon @joshkirkland83

 

[joshkirkland83]

Its a biocube 29 gallon @joshkirkland83

Id do 8, but four is better than none. Is this water pre made?

 

[Mike628]

I buy distilled water. I can do 8, ill just make two trips. Anything for my tank haha

 

[joshkirkland83]

I buy distilled water. I can do 8, ill just make two trips. Anything for my tank haha

Youre killing me, so you use the hydrometer to get salinity?

 

[Mike628]

Yes I measure my salinity with a hydrometer. I mix the water with distilled water. Is this ok? @joshkirkland83

 

[Mike628]

Im waiting to get the water now so I dont have to walk back. Can I use distilled water or do I need a different kind? @joshkirkland83

 

[joshkirkland83]

Im waiting to get the water now so I dont have to walk back. Can I use distilled water or do I need a different kind? @joshkirkland83

No the water is fine. Its using the hydrometer thats killing you. What salt do you use?

 

[Mike628]

Instant ocean. Just the standard orange bag. @joshkirkland83

 

[joshkirkland83]

Instant ocean. Just the standard orange bag. @joshkirkland83

Is it reef crystals or regular instant ocean?

 

[Mike628]

Its just regular instant ocean

 

[joshkirkland83]

Its just regular instant ocean

Ok its 2 3/4 cups per 5g for a salinity of 1.025.

 

[Mike628]

Ok its 2 3/4 cups per 5g for a salinity of 1.025.

I can mix 4 gallons at a time so how much salt would I need for that?

 

[Tippfish]

I'm having the same issue with my green hammer. I did a 10% water change, reduced flow and light intensity. Though I also test with API and hydrometer, readings have been consistent. My other LPS (purple hammer, frog spawn, and toad stool) all look fantastic. I typically do a 10% WC every two weeks but will do one each week for a while. I use Reef Crystals. If I see positive results, I will share.

 

[Triggreef]

@Mike628 what brand of distilled water are you using? Some bottled water may have non beneficial elements. You might be able to Google what is in whichever one your using. If your also using it to top off, then those certain elements could accumulate in your tank over time as they will not leave through evaporation. Poland spring is the only one I would trust.