Water levels for first coral addition

[russclark27]

This is probably a stupid question but just to be sure...

I'm planning to follow Red Sea's "Mixed Reef Recipe" water parameters* for a tank that will eventually have softies, LPS, an anemone and various fish. (*salinity 34, calcium 450, mag 1350, dKH 11.5, nitrate 1-2, phosphate. 08-.12)

I assume I should achieve and stabilize those parameters before adding any animals? (Just a cuc in there now; tank is about 6 weeks into cycling).

I'm pretty close on everything except their recommended alkalinity of 11.5 dKH where I'm around 10 now.

Thanks!

 

[Retro Reefer]

IMO those numbers are not practical for a new tank especially the 11.5 DKH, I would let the tank mature and stabilize for several months or longer before moving towards those numbers.. at 6 weeks although pushing it you could introduce a easy starter coral such as a trumpet or leather. I typically wait several months before introducing corals into my new systems.

 

[Idoc]

6 weeks wet, your tank should be cycled and ready for its first addition. I would add a fish first in order for the nitrifying bacteria to have some waste to multiply. Adding anything should be done slowly. Your parameters are good...but don't focus on chasing the numbers... you'll be much happier. Besides, it's a new system, those numbers are going to change. The key is to be stable with the parameters.

 

[motortrendz]

All those numbers are fine except for the 11.5 dkh. Me personally I run a little higher than alot of others at 10.5, but in have an sps dominant tank and its maintained by a calcium reactor. The higher the dkh the more you will need to dose to maintain that higher number.

I would strive for a more natural number of 8dkh. Expecially in a new system, let it mature on it's own and see where its seems happiest.

 

[russclark27]

Thanks. I thought that dKH seemed high, and am definitely planning to take it slow when adding more live stuff. Maybe a few fish and a trumpet or leather sometime later this month. Appreciate the help!

 

[lapin]

No need to run coral pro type salts.( high dkh) This should save you some money for the first 6 months to a year.

 

[Bpb]

I can’t get on board with the high alk business. I’ve only ever had massive problems running it that high. 6-8 dkh is a much more comfortable range. Even 10 is danger zone for me