New to reefing

[just reefing]

Hey all, daily new to reefing. What’s everyone using to perfect you water levels? I’ve got some anemones, a few sps and a few hard corals. Currently dosing all for reef and my nems all hide under rocks….

 

[Uncle99]

Hey all, daily new to reefing. What’s everyone using to perfect you water levels? I’ve got some anemones, a few sps and a few hard corals. Currently dosing all for reef and my nems all hide under rocks….

Can you show us a full tank shot?
Are you asking what parameters we keep or what we use to keep them on point?

 

[Red_Beard]

What are you using for lighs? How much light? Usually they hide when its too bright, or water chemisty is off making it too bright for their nutritional needs. What are your tank stats?

 

[just reefing]

 

[just reefing]

What are you using for lighs? How much light? Usually they hide when it’s too bright, or water chemisty is off making it too bright for their nutritional needs. What are your tank stats?

I’m using viparspectra 165w and I’m running whites at 1% and blues at 50%

I just bought new Hanna checkers as I was using api testers and learned they are basic tests that can’t be used for accurate testing.

My current stats

Alk (DKH) 8.3
Nitrate 33.4
Phosphate .90
Magnesium 1170
Calcium .40/300

I recently did 2 water changes in one day one at 30% and the second 45%. I believe I had a faulty ammonia test as it showed 8 ppm so that’s what lead me to do the water change. I also cleaned my media in my sump that was CAKED with fish turds but threw it out, now I’m kicking myself for doing. Any insight on how I should control my water levels would be appreciated.

 

[AstroCoral]

What are your nutrient export methods? And how many gallons is that protein skimmer rated for?

 

[just reefing]

What are your nutrient export methods? And how many gallons is that protein skimmer rated for?

Not sure what you mean my export method. The skimmer came with the tank as I purchased the entire setup from someone on marketplace. The skimmer works double time and I empty it out atleast twice a day so I’m thinking the previous owner swapped skimmers before I purchased.

 

[Red_Beard]

Looks like you arent far from where you need to be, low magnesium, calcium. Po4 is high but not crazy. Just keep up on water changes, keep your skimmer going and keep watching. Nems do weird stuff, they will come around when they feel like it most likely. With high po4 that could be causing them to shy away from the light for a bit. Maybe try some gfo but be careful not to change too much or too quickly.

 

[just reefing]

Looks like you arent far from where you need to be, low magnesium, calcium. Po4 is high but not crazy. Just keep up on water changes, keep your skimmer going and keep watching. Nems do weird stuff, they will come around when they feel like it most likely. With high po4 that could be causing them to shy away from the light for a bit. Maybe try some gfo but be careful not to change too much or too quickly.

I appreciate that. I’m going to my lfs tomorrow and will try and pick some up. Seems easy to use

 

[AstroCoral]

Not sure what you mean my export method. The skimmer came with the tank as I purchased the entire setup from someone on marketplace. The skimmer works double time and I empty it out atleast twice a day so I’m thinking the previous owner swapped skimmers before I purchased.

Sorry, I forgot to reply earlier! By nutrient export method I meant how are you getting nitrate and phosphate out of the tank? Skimmer and water changes? I was asking about your skimmer size because the cup looks a little small for your tank size; I’m wondering if it’s underpowered for your setup. I’m just throwing out some thoughts though

 

[just reefing]

Sorry, I forgot to reply earlier! By nutrient export method I meant how are you getting nitrate and phosphate out of the tank? Skimmer and water changes? I was asking about your skimmer size because the cup looks a little small for your tank size; I’m wondering if it’s underpowered for your setup. I’m just throwing out some thoughts though

Oh I gotcha, yea I got the tank from someone off marketplace and I’m thinking he changed out the skimmer on me before I picked the tank up. I’m dumping it twice if not 3 times a day. I’m trying to find one to replace it

 

[AstroCoral]

Oh I gotcha, yea I got the tank from someone off marketplace and I’m thinking he changed out the skimmer on me before I picked the tank up. I’m dumping it twice if not 3 times a day. I’m trying to find one to replace it

Gotcha, that sounds like a good plan to upgrade skimmers!