Order of Operations- Reef Rehab

[Bill_Moorman]

Hi All!

After testing my water this morning, here are my parameters:

Total System water: 40 gallons (40b display and 10 gallon sump, assuming 10 gallons of displacement)

Salinity: 33ppm Apex (desired as is)
Nitrate: <1, Nyos, (desired 3ppm)
Phosphate: .00, Hanna (desired .01-.05 ppm)
Alk: 6.2, Hanna (desired 9 dKh)
Calc: 345, Red Sea (desired 450 ppm)
Mag: 1550, Red Sea (desired as is)

As such, I need to do some balancing with these numbers. My biggest concern is my nitrate and phosphate. I realize they are likely not truly 0 as I do have some nuisance algae in the system. I have NeoNitro, which I could use to raise those levels. However, what is more important: Getting the Alk and Calc to the appropriate levels first so the coral can use the nutrients to grow, or vice versa? Also, on the same note, the inhabitants only include 3 urchins, 7 snails, 2 skunk cleaner shrimp, and 2 clowns. Would it be better to feed more to raise nutrients, or use the NeoNitro?

Once I get the levels to where I want them, I will be dosing 2 part via Apex and BRS dosers.

Thanks in advance!

 

[EmdeReef]

I would start with Alkalinity, slowly raise it to 7 ideally over several days, then can consider going higher. At such low nutrients you might not want to go to 9, but keep around 7-8. Ca anything 380-400+ should work fine.

Personally, I'd always feed more first then dose if necessary.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hi All!

After testing my water this morning, here are my parameters:

Total System water: 40 gallons (40b display and 10 gallon sump, assuming 10 gallons of displacement)

Salinity: 33ppm Apex (desired as is)
Nitrate: <1, Nyos, (desired 3ppm)
Phosphate: .00, Hanna (desired .01-.05 ppm)
Alk: 6.2, Hanna (desired 9 dKh)
Calc: 345, Red Sea (desired 450 ppm)
Mag: 1550, Red Sea (desired as is)

As such, I need to do some balancing with these numbers. My biggest concern is my nitrate and phosphate. I realize they are likely not truly 0 as I do have some nuisance algae in the system. I have NeoNitro, which I could use to raise those levels. However, what is more important: Getting the Alk and Calc to the appropriate levels first so the coral can use the nutrients to grow, or vice versa? Also, on the same note, the inhabitants only include 3 urchins, 7 snails, 2 skunk cleaner shrimp, and 2 clowns. Would it be better to feed more to raise nutrients, or use the NeoNitro?

Once I get the levels to where I want them, I will be dosing 2 part via Apex and BRS dosers.

Thanks in advance!

I would not raise the alk until you were sure you had adequate nutrients.

i'd also raise the salinity to 35 ppt. That will boost calcium some.

 

[Bill_Moorman]

Is the best way to do is is feed more often? I do have NeoNitro, but I don’t have a phosphate supplement. I turned off my skimmer and I also turned off my fuge lights. Honestly I only had a ping pong ball size of chaeto that I’m not attached in any way to. Hoping that doing so will help nutrient levels rise?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

When you want to raise both, feeding more can be a fine plan and there's no reason to delay.