New system high fondation levels

[TheWalkman99]

First reef tank. Started doing my fondation elements testing. And I have high levels
Alk:11.2
CA:470
MG:1600
Been using instant ocean to cycle the tank since it's cheap. Just started using the IO reef crystals to finish cycle. Have only done one water change of 4gal with reef crystals.
Have had salinity at 1.025.
What am I doing wrong?

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Instant Ocean is a bit high in all those parameters to being with. Reef Crystals is even higher. While high, I don't think any of those levels are particularly problematic.

How are you measuring salinity? If your salinity is a bit off and your tank's salinity is higher than you think, that will push those levels even higher.

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

Also, to add, that Instant Ocean is cheap should not be a deterrent to using it long-term. Jason Fox runs his systems exclusively with Instant Ocean, and many SPS-only tanks over the years have been run successfully with Instant Ocean.

If IO is available, fits in your price range and has the parameters you want, it's absolutely fine to use in the long run. So is just about every other salt mix from a major manufacturer.

 

[TheWalkman99]

The more I've been seeing is people have no issues with IO so I might keep running it.
Using a refractometer never calibrated think that could be an issue?
Also as I add corals levels should drop right?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The more I've been seeing is people have no issues with IO so I might keep running it.
Using a refractometer never calibrated think that could be an issue?
Also as I add corals levels should drop right?

I would certainly get a calibrated measurement of salinity somehow, but the alk and calcium values are OK, and the magnesium is most likely lower than you report.

 

[TheWalkman99]

Alright I'll get some calibration fluid then go from there.
What's the odds of a LFS or Petco selling calibration fluid.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Alright I'll get some calibration fluid then go from there.
What's the odds of a LFS or Petco selling calibration fluid.

Petco, no. LFS that specializes in saltwater may.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Alright I'll get some calibration fluid then go from there.
What's the odds of a LFS or Petco selling calibration fluid.

Check the expiration date on the bottles at an LFS. I've seen expired ones for sale, and pH 10 buffers tend to drop in pH over time as CO2 enters them.

 

[TheWalkman99]

Check the expiration date on the bottles at an LFS. I've seen expired ones for sale, and pH 10 buffers tend to drop in pH over time as CO2 enters them.

I haven't had high PH I've been running 8.0-8.2 so far
I'll make sure they aren't experienced thanks for the heads up.