Opinions on water parameters

[ahiggins]

hey all!
I'm dosing Kent tech mag for a bryopsis issue and it's slowly working.
As of now my readings:
Ammonia:0
Nitrites:0
Nitrates:<5
Phosphates:0
Calcium:500
Alk:11.5 (major question below)
Mag:1580-1620

So...is this right? That calcium, alk, and mag will raise together? If one of them rises. I use Red Sea pro salt.
Why is alk so dang high!? Is that bad? I have 3 sps, 5 lps and 10 softies.
Am I in danger of losing anything in your opinion?
Just looking for your opinions thanks!!

 

[domination2580]

hey all!
I'm dosing Kent tech mag for a bryopsis issue and it's slowly working.
As of now my readings:
Ammonia:0
Nitrites:0
Nitrates:<5
Phosphates:0
Calcium:500
Alk:11.5 (major question below)
Mag:1580-1620

So...is this right? That calcium, alk, and mag will raise together? If one of them rises. I use Red Sea pro salt.
Why is alk so dang high!? Is that bad? I have 3 sps, 5 lps and 10 softies.
Am I in danger of losing anything in your opinion?
Just looking for your opinions thanks!!

I keep my alk around 11.5. Mag as a general rule of thumb is 3 times your calcium. Your going to use more alk amd cal than mag.

 

[domination2580]

No they will not rise together. You have to treat and dose whichever needs dosed

 

[twilliard]

If you question the alkalinity check at what level the salt mixes at.
Heed caution when raising magnesium to high levels as inverts don't tolerate that well.

 

[domination2580]

If you question the alkalinity check at what level the salt mixes at.
Heed caution when raising magnesium to high levels as inverts don't tolerate that well.

Hmm...good to know. Ive never heard that one before twilliard

 

[twilliard]

Hmm...good to know. Ive never heard that one before twilliard

Yes if it gets up into the 1800-2000 range (the effective level) watch or qt inverts.

 

[domination2580]

Hmm....never had a problem with that....1500 when i first started

 

[ahiggins]

When you say effective level...for bryopsis treatment? I've heard 1600 for a few weeks will do it. So far everything is looking good. I just had questions on alk being so high.

I don't have an issue with one needing to be dosed, only dosing for bryopsis.

 

[twilliard]

There are many numbers thrown around when it comes to magnesium
1600 may work for shallow rooted bryopsis or weak bryopsis
For deeply rooted embedded bryopsis it 1800 or higher
There is a highly probability of regrowth at 1600
These plants are tough

 

[ahiggins]

ugh! I know...usually when i dose, i pipet whatever Im dosing right on top of them. Its definitely a slow process.
I figure Ill keep it at 1600+ for a few weeks then go higher if I have to.
At least I can move the inverts if I need to
Thanks for your help!

 

[ahiggins]

Oh! Since I have you here, I have a coraline question...
When is an appropriate time to start seeing coraline algae grow on my back wall/overflow? Or forming anywhere for that matter. My live rock is 100% covered in it but no where else in my tank.
Thoughts?

 

[twilliard]

An urchin is a great way to spread it but also eats it.
Take a razor blade and start scraping your rocks. You will have to do the frequently and this is a good way to do it manually.

 

[ahiggins]

Oh...if I didn't want to scrap it...will it take long to form normally?