New to R2R Need some help!

[BlastoLove]

I am in need of Professional assistance...I currently have a 65g with 30g sump, fluidized bed filter with biopellets, and 125g coralife skimmer. also I am running 4 54W 48" VHO T5's 2 of which are ATI bulbs. I need help with a chemistry issue that I have been putting off for sometime. That issue is one of PH, Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, and Alkalinity. I would like to start using Kalkwasser in my tank but do not have a PH moniter, my calcium seems to stay at 480? I recently had an issue with Dinoflagelletes and took some "extreme" measures to get rid of it. I have heard horror stories about it but I have seemed to beat it... fingers crossed... I have heard that to prevent it from coming back I can use kalk but need to moniter the PH, I also heard dosing mg can also help detur it. I don't dose calcium but it seems to always be high. I try to do water changes at least 7-10 gallons weekly. I also heard that UVsterilizer will help too. I just want everything to be healthy and for m tank to flourish. I bought an Acan recently and it's health seemed to dwindle rapidly, I think that had to do with my heater dying and my salinity being so high at the time .38... my question to you guys is what works best for you and what should I really test for and what equipment is a must!?!?!?!

 

[Isoprene]

test kits...if you dont have a LFS to test right around the corner these are your best friends...get them all imo especially if you have sps. Testing is the only way that your tank can communicate with you.

 

[Aquaph8]

Do you have an auto top off? Hydrometer? Waterchanges seem to be keeping up with things at this point, for now I would just keep up with those. What livestock do you have at the moment.

 

[BlastoLove]

No ATO atm, I have a Newer Coralife Hydrometer (the one with the sponge at the top...) My live stock includes Birdsnest, Pavona, Blastomussas (both types) pink zoas, toxic green zoas, green star polyps, mushrooms, LTA - Fish include Sailfin tang, 4 Bangai, Percula Clown, Lamarck Angel, Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peppermint, Various Hermits, Turbo Snails, and various Nassarius snails

 

[Aquaph8]

I would start with those two then for equipment along with an RODI unit. As far as tests go, learning to balance alk and calcium is a huge part of the battle in this hobby.

 

[BlastoLove]

Well thank you, I do use RO/DI in fact I just got a new unit from BRS and thinking about getting the water saving kit fir it!

 

[Aquaph8]

Well thank you, I do use RO/DI in fact I just got a new unit from BRS and thinking about getting the water saving kit fir it!

The RODI unit was a great investment and will make your life a little easier. Please do post up any specific questions you have and we'll do our best to help.