Test results

justjes45 · Oct 28, 2016

So... I am learning that testing, results and brand testing kits are very complicated.
I am sure for as big as this forum is that there is already an answer to this...Does anybody have a link to info for test results?
How to dose, best brand of products to use, how to stay stable...

My tank was fool proof and easy until about a month ago.
Most corals and fish are fine, but my montiporas and sticks seem sad...

I use RO water
3O gallon Nuvo cube
Salinity 125SG 35ppt
Calcium 380
Mag 1420
Meg/L 2.9 dKH 9.8

According to Red Sea, my calcium and Kh are off--

Why? Who knows...

stevo01 · Oct 28, 2016

Your calcium is real low. You need to maintain 400-450 as a constant. Kh is high.

Ca is low as its being used up by stony corals, but Am i right to think. Because your ph is high your alk is high cause the ca to precipitate out?

Test ph

stevo01 · Oct 28, 2016

Wait for @Randy Holmes-Farley

stevo01 · Oct 28, 2016

Or #reefsquad

redfishbluefish · Oct 28, 2016

You're numbers are just fine. HERE's Randy's paper on water parameters.

If you wish to save a little, and mix your own alk and calc (and mag), BRS is your best bet. Otherwise, any of the other premixed two part is just fine.

Sabellafella · Oct 28, 2016

justjes45 said:
So... I am learning that testing, results and brand testing kits are very complicated.
I am sure for as big as this forum is that there is already an answer to this...Does anybody have a link to info for test results?
How to dose, best brand of products to use, how to stay stable...

My tank was fool proof and easy until about a month ago.
Most corals and fish are fine, but my montiporas and sticks seem sad...

I use RO water
3O gallon Nuvo cube
Salinity 125SG 35ppt
Calcium 380
Mag 1420
Meg/L 2.9 dKH 9.8

According to Red Sea, my calcium and Kh are off--

Why? Who knows...

Can you post some photos? Although its not neccessary, id recommend having atleast 2 if not 3 different test kits for each parameter. Especially the red sea, from what ive experienced, the calc and alk i guess oxydise(not sure but something happens) about 3 months after opening. Lets get some photos of the issue, also are you doing waterchanges? For 2 part theres plenty of options you can choose from. But first youll have to test alk everyday to note your drop to see if you even need it

stevo01 · Oct 28, 2016

380 isnt real low. Its outside norm but not by a lot. Sorry. Im still learning the chemistry ins and outs. Can that be true about what i said? Thanks!

NanaReefer · Oct 29, 2016

stevo01 said:
380 isnt real low. Its outside norm but not by a lot. Sorry. Im still learning the chemistry ins and outs. Can that be true about what i said? Thanks!

Actually 380-450 are totally acceptable.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

saltyfilmfolks · Oct 29, 2016

For calcium and alk. I like this one better.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry
Eapaecually because it has pictures.

Basicly it a chart to use to plot out where you cal and alk values are to insure that their are in a good balance. Or if you need to dose one more then the other.

Unless your only dosing cal or your using an alk to boost ph it more than likely it actually pretty balanced and two part ot kalk is the way to go.

It been my experience as a pro coral killer that montis are calcium killers and easily tap it out. But you won't know by appearance it'll keep growing and look great if it's got decent light and food. But when you bump it it breaks and is soft and brittle
Or turns to mush. Boy was I mad at my wife that day.

For your monti problembs I'm more interested in your no and Po than cal and alk.

NanaReefer · Oct 29, 2016

saltyfilmfolks said:
For calcium and alk. I like this one better.
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry
Eapaecually because it has pictures.

Basicly it a chart to use to plot out where you cal and alk values are to insure that their are in a good balance. Or if you need to dose one more then the other.

Unless your only dosing cal or your using an alk to boost ph it more than likely it actually pretty balanced and two part ot kalk is the way to go.

It been my experience as a pro coral killer that montis are calcium killers and easily tap it out. But you won't know by appearance it'll keep growing and look great if it's got decent light and food. But when you bump it it breaks and is soft and brittle
Or turns to mush. Boy was I mad at my wife that day.

For your monti problembs I'm more interested in your no and Po than cal and alk.

[emoji38][emoji38][emoji38] Both articles were written by Randy Holmes-Farley

saltyfilmfolks · Oct 29, 2016

stevo01 said:
380 isnt real low. Its outside norm but not by a lot. Sorry. Im still learning the chemistry ins and outs. Can that be true about what i said? Thanks!

One your confused but enlightened by Randy's article check ''this out as a way to visualise the cal and alk relation ship.

Go to the two part section and the real life scenario bit.
It's a walk through of the dosing process.

saltyfilmfolks · Oct 29, 2016

NanaReefer said:
[emoji38][emoji38][emoji38] Both articles were written by Randy Holmes-Farley

Yer darn tootin!!

justjes45 · Oct 29, 2016

This is all great! Love having a place where I can reach out and instantly get help.
I will read this next, take pics today to add and I will retest the tank this afternoon.
It makes sense that the more corals I add the more nutrients the tank needs... I just wasn't prepared, and don't know what to add-
Thanks so much!
I will post new stuff later today!

stevo01 · Oct 29, 2016

NanaReefer said:
Actually 380-450 are totally acceptable.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

Thanks. I was under the impression we need to stay at 400 or above, thanks for the clarification

saltyfilmfolks said:
One your confused but enlightened by Randy's article check ''this out as a way to visualise the cal and alk relation ship.

Go to the two part section and the real life scenario bit.
It's a walk through of the dosing process.

Ill check it out, thank you sir

justjes45 · Oct 30, 2016

OK – I feel like I'm gonna together. Here are the new results.
Red Sea test kit--

Salinity 1.025/36
Magnesium 1360
Calcium 405
Alkalinity 4.7 meg 13.2 dKH

API TESTS

Phosphate .25
Nitrite zero
Nitrate 80
PH 8.2
Ammonia .5

justjes45 · Oct 30, 2016

Wow- thanks spell check-
Guess I should have proofread that one. I "am getting it together"!

saltyfilmfolks · Oct 30, 2016

justjes45 said:
OK – I feel like I'm gonna together. Here are the new results.
Red Sea test kit--

Salinity 1.025/36
Magnesium 1360
Calcium 405
Alkalinity 4.7 meg 13.2 dKH

API TESTS

Phosphate .25
Nitrite zero
Nitrate 80
PH 8.2
Ammonia .5