STARTUP 40GalTank

[xXShadowPlagueXx]

Hi everyone! I am starting on my quest for a reef tank 40 gal. I currently have 40lbs of live rock. Machines: The usual.

currently my water has been running for 3weeks

water today is as follows
Ammonia 2ppm
Nitrite 0ppm
Nitrate 0ppm
PH 8.0-8.2
Salinity : 1.023
Temp: 78 degrees
dKH 14

i feel like my dKH is too high?? Opinions?

 

[fishski13]

So yes your Alkalinity is a little higher than what is wanted. What test kit are you using and what salt are you using.

Also this isnt an emergency, you should only use that tag when there is an actual emergency

 

[xXShadowPlagueXx]

Okay I apologize- I am using the master saltwater test kit with the drips. Additionally I buy the salt from petco called coral pro salt

 

[xXShadowPlagueXx]

Also I have a cleanup crew in the tank so that’s where I assume I am getting the ammonia

 

[fishski13]

Okay I apologize- I am using the master saltwater test kit with the drips. Additionally I buy the salt from petco called coral pro salt

So the first thing is the test kit you are using is not the most accurate thing out there, the API line is fine to get you through the cycle but when you want accurate and consistent results other test kits like Salifert, Aquaforest, or Hanna would be more sufficent.

By coral pro salt I assume you are using Red Sea Coral Pro Salt, however didnt know petco sold this salt.

This salt comes with a alkalinity of 11.5-12.5 when mixed at 1.025 salinity, this is the result that you should get from freshly mixed salt. So with your situation either your salinity is wrong and you have salinity higher than 1.025 like 1.027 that would result in a high alkalinity or your API test kit is inaccurate.

 

[xXShadowPlagueXx]

So the first thing is the test kit you are using is not the most accurate thing out there, the API line is fine to get you through the cycle but when you want accurate and consistent results other test kits like Salifert, Aquaforest, or Hanna would be more sufficent.

By coral pro salt I assume you are using Red Sea Coral Pro Salt, however didnt know petco sold this salt.

This salt comes with an alkalinity of 11.5-12.5 when mixed at 1.025 salinity, this is the result that you should get from freshly mixed salt. So with your situation either your salinity is wrong and you have salinity higher than 1.025 like 1.027 that would result in a high alkalinity or your API test kit is inaccurate.

It was the last one I got and I see! I really appreciate your response. I will make the changes accordingly. Will go to an actual Aquarium store