Strange trend in parameters. Hmmm

[glb]

Hi everyone. I test my water at least every week, change out a gallon, clean filter sponges, etc. In other words, the tank is well maintained. I had been dosing calcium and magnesium but stopped because the ca wasn't ever low and has even gone up over the past several weeks (450-550) without any supplementation other than water changes. Mg was being supplemented c. 2.5ml twice a week with levels around 1200-1300. Again, in the last two weeks, it has risen (1300-1460) without any supplementation. Kh up from 8.5-9.5, which is not a problem. The only thing I've added is a little Seachem buffer, as the ph was creeping down. I know I have a co2 problem which keeps it down but I try to keep the range from 7.7-8.0. Nitrates 5ppm. The corals look fine. Fish happy too. My question is why are my ca and mg going up seemingly on their own? Could the buffer increase it that much? I only add a tad or two at a time when the recommended dose is a teaspoon for my tank. Since the parameters are overall good I haven't wanted to tinker with the water much. Any thoughts on this mystery?


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[glb]

So sorry, it's a 12g nano.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Mike J.]

Well, all I can say is that you don't dose anything unless you need it. And you don't dose anything you can't test for. Why did you dose in the first place?

 

[glb]

Well, all I can say is that you don't dose anything unless you need it. And you don't dose anything you can't test for. Why did you dose in the first place?

When I added coral, the lfs encouraged me to dose iodide, strontium/molybdenum, magnesium and calcium weekly. I'd stopped adding iodide and str/moly because I don't test for those. At first I'd test for mg and need to add to maintain good levels but not anymore. I stopped dosing ca when my levels never seemed to drop. The only lps I have is a small acan colony so that would be the only thing taking in calcium. I have no idea why my mg has gone up. You're absolutely right - don't dose if you can't test.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Mike J.]

You don't need to dose anything at all. Water changes will take care of your needs. Here's another example of an LFS that will tell you anything to sell something.

 

[glb]

You don't need to dose anything at all. Water changes will take care of your needs. Here's another example of an LFS that will tell you anything to sell something.

Thanks! As always, the forum gives me better info than lfs's.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Liquid360]

Agreed! Especially in a system that size! Your LFS is selling you. Nobody here is trying to sell you anything. One of nice things about a nano is the simplicity of the system. Good salt, good water.

 

[glb]

Agreed! Especially in a system that size! Your LFS is selling you. Nobody here is trying to sell you anything. One of nice things about a nano is the simplicity of the system. Good salt, good water.

So true! I actually use seawater from the lfs. It's purified so I don't even have to mix anything. The tank has done beautifully since I stopped using tap water!!


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Liquid360]

Yeah great way to go if u can get it. I'm hoping that at some point I'll have access to the ocean in Birmingham Alabama but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[glb]

Yeah great way to go if u can get it. I'm hoping that at some point I'll have access to the ocean in Birmingham Alabama but I'm not holding my breath.

Lol I live in South Florida.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.

 

[Liquid360]

yeah you might have access now but when I have it you'll be under water!

 

[glb]

yeah you might have access now but when I have it you'll be under water!

I see you've been reading the news.


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12g Nanoreef. Zooanthids, Ricordia, Star Polyps, Acans and two clownfish. CF Lighting, 75% actinic blue, 25% 10,000k white.