Tank 5 months old....tank parameters not perfect

[Mikeand Mel]

We have just passed the 5 month mark on our 60 gal reef, would like to know what Iwe can do to optimize water quality.

Equipment:
50 gal oceanic with 1 corner overflow(loud)
ASM G-3 skimmer
filter sock
2 gyre 230
Colbalt heater
Tunze Osmolator
BRS RO/DI
Kamoer doser(new, never used yet)

Livestock: Parameters as of 7/9:
1 Hippo tang 31/2" Salinity: 1.025 Milwalkee
3 green Chromis Temp:78
Midas Blenny Amm, Nitrite, Nitrate: 0 API
Cleaner shrimp Ph: 8.0 API
brittle star Alk: 146ppm 8.2dkh Hanna checker
misc crab and snails Cal: 320 API
Torch coral Phos: 0.52 Hanna Checker
Duncan
Green star polyps
Hammer
Montipora cap
hydnophora
finger
Goniopora

1. Is it time to start dosing?
2. Phosphate......how to lower?

We do a 5 gallon water change 1x week.

 

[Mike O.]

Kalkwasser. Start slow and add 1/2 tsp per gallon to your ATO. That will help stabilize your Alk, PH, and add Calcium. Measure for a week or so and see how quickly the nutrients are being consumed. Max is 2 tsp/gallon but based on your inventory you probably won't get anywhere close to that.

As to your phosphates, you could try gfo in a mesh bag or reactor.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How are you measuring calcium?
What salt ix and what salinity?

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

pH seems fine at least. Dont try to chase pH if your alk is fine which it is. Check magnesium since your calcium is low. Magnesium levels apparently affect calcium levels and it never hurts to check. Kalk is a great idea too, and its cheap.

 

[Mikeand Mel]

Measuring calcium with API test kit.
Salinity is 1.025 using Reef Crystals
Havent checked magnesium yet.
I have B Ionic 2 part and B Ionic magnesium....should/can I add these to ato?
I also have a phosban reactor. Should I use this with the NPX pellets.
I see everyone talking about phos at .04 and we are at .5 this seems extremely high.