Need some help

Kevin R · May 17, 2019

Just setup my Red Sea XL 525 about 3 weeks ago did a tank swap. Last nigh I did a water test here are the readings i got.

Salinity. 1.024
PH. 8.2
NH3 / NH4. 0
NO2. 0
No3. 0
KH. 13.4 duh
MG. 1340
CA. 390

Does this seem right?????????

robocop1906 · May 17, 2019

Really depends on your goal but the KH is very concerning. Is this fish only? If so the NO3/NO3 is not as concerning.

The below is if you are or plan to keep corals. Some parameters are less important if you keep acros vs. softies. More info on your current setup and goal set up would help.
General Reference only Water Parameters- Alkalinty- 8-9, Magnesium 1350-1475, Salinity- 1.026, Calcium-440. Nitrate- 0.5-2, Phosphates- .01-.04

mta_morrow · May 17, 2019

Hello and welcome to R2R!

#welcometoR2R

Kevin R · May 17, 2019

We are keeping a mixed reef with Soft & LPS and fish

Setup on tank Red Sea Reefer 525XL Deluxe
2100DC return Pump
Red Sea Reefer Skimmer RSK 600
Nero 5. (2)
AI 26 hd Hydra. (3)
ATI dosing pump. DP6
Tunze ATO

I used the Red Sea test kits for the testing i did

Thinking about using the Red Sea Reef Care Recipe for a mixed reef

As far as corals go right now its mostly softies and 2 LPS

I guess the question i am asking is what should the water parameters be and if the parameters i have need to change how do i do that and with what

robocop1906 · May 17, 2019

Assuming "Tank Swap" means you got water from a fully cycled tank, then I'd say get the ALK down to around 8 through your normal water change schedule. If monthly just divide the water volume to make it weekly till you reach your goal. All the other parameters are highly debated so I'd say anything above zero for NO2 and NO3 but balance would be good. Look up Redfield Ration as a guide for the balance between those two so not to create algae blooms. As far as adjusting them, start out by feeding your tank more and turning off the skimmer. If you fear your CO2 or PH would drop having your skimmer off then close the valve so it just overflows to the sump. I had to end up dosing nitrates in my tank so if that's your case after say a month then I'd go with Sodium Nitrate vs. Stump remover many use. The reason being is, it's stump remover, they can change the ingredients at any time and if they add something toxic you wouldn't know.