OK, what next?

SurfLife · Apr 23, 2018

Looking for opinions on what my next move is. I have reached the max number of fish I plan to have going forward (10). I have been adding coral and coral frags regularly so some parameters are starting to shows signs that attention is required. The only dosing I have done recently has been Reef Trace and Reef Elements following the instructions on label.
Here are the current parameters (4/22/18) and tank info..

Establish just over 1 year
220 Gallon DT / 60 Gallon Sump / Lighting AI Hydra FiftyTwo's
Temp 77
SG(Milwaukee) - 1.026
Nitrate(API) - 0
PH(API) - 8.4
Mag(Giesemann) - 1200
Phos(Hanna) - 0.12
Alk(Hanna) - 7.56
Calcium(Hanna) - 282

So I know a few of those could use some attention depending on who you ask. I am aware I can start dosing Calcium, Kalkwasser etc. but which of these would you recommend? Should I be looking into a dosing system? I enjoy the technological side of the hobby so I am all for that if it is the proper way to go here. Or should I hold up and just dose manually? Should I consider reactors?
All of my corals (LPS, SPS, Soft, Mushrooms, Polyps) look healthy, colorful and growing but I do not expect that to last long with the current parameters.
I have learned a lot from reading these forums and is how I got to where I am today but I am kind of stuck on this next move.

don_chuwish · Apr 23, 2018

Definitely dose either Kalk or a 2-part system. I like ESV B-Ionic personally. Many options out there tho.
Nitrate is either too low or perfect, depending on your test accuracy - a little higher than zero would be best for the corals. Not sure I'd bet a bundle on the API test kit. Suggest Red Sea Pro for NO3.

PatW · Apr 23, 2018

The API test kit is not that accurate for nitrates. Red Sea Pro detects nitrates down to about .1 ppm. I run my nitrates at about 2 ppm and my corals like it fine.

For phosphates, most people recommend Hanna ultra low and I agree. I run at about 10 ppb which is far lower than yours.

I dose both nitrates and phosphates to keep them at a low level. I have quite a bit of nutrient export and it just seems easier to maintain a low but adequate level by high export with mild dosing.

Your calcium is far too low for hard corals. I run at about 450 ppm but anything over 400 is fine. I agree with Don. Dosing with 2 part would bring things in line. Bulk Reef Supply sells 2 part that you can mix up with RODI at a pretty reasonable price.

ALK, pH and magnesium all look fine.

SurfLife · Apr 25, 2018

I knew my calcium was too low but did not want to just start dosing calcium until I confirmed it was the right thing considering other parameters at the time. I agree the API tests are not the most reliable so I checked with Giesemann and got a reading of around 1.0. The Red Sea test showed up today and will see what that shows. My nitrates have been slow to go down since establishing the tank and the API (quickest) always showed and orange color until the last few tests that were just straight up yellow so I assumed 0 or close to it. I forgot about the Phosphate Hanna test mentioned and I will grab one of those next and see what results I get.
The 2 part ESV B-Ionic is what I am ordered and will start tonight.

Thanks for the opinions.

Update: Tested with Red Sea is a shade over 1.0