Water Quality in Nano

[jsnrice]

I just started a 12 gallon nano last Aug. I've only had some success with corals. My recent attempt was a softball sized SPS Acropora that died from RTN in 72 hrs. My next goal is to try to improve my water quality. I have a rimless 12 gallon biocub (nano) with bioballs and a lot of LR. The lighting is a powerful Kessil A150 SkyBlue LED. I noticed a few days ago that there's a thin film on the surface in some areas. From the forums I've read this is normal and not a game changer. Most people suggest to just point some flow to the surface to break up the film. Others suggests a protein skimmer or dry/wet filter whereas some say this isn't necessary for a nano. What else can I do to increase water quality? I'm testing everything but Alk and Mg. I do dose with Alk, Mg, and Calcium. What else am I missing? Perhaps it's just the fact that I have a nano 12g and the parameters change so quickly. Some corals (hammer, frogspawn, gsp) are doing very well. Others like duncan, xenia, and SPS have all died out. Should I test for Alk, Mg, and Calc? If so where can I pick up these tests? Thanks guys. :dance:

My research:
Protein skimmer for 12 gallon nanocube - Aquarium Advice - Aquarium Forum Community

Surface film - The Reef Tank

 

[Tahoe61]

You definitely need to test for Ca/Alk/Mag if you're going to keep sps successfully. You'll also need to add more flow or figure out how to remove that protein layer on the waters surface. I order my RedSea Pro test kit from MarineDepot, this kit contains the tests you'll need. Never dose for ALK unless you test for it.

 

[jsnrice]

@Taho61 Ran a quick Google search for "RedSea Pro test kit" A lot came up. Could you please send me a link?

 

[Tahoe61]

Here you go.

Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Ca/Alk/Mg Multi Test Kit

 

[Reefing Madness]

You test your Phosphates also?
You can just point your powerheads at the surface of the water to break up the surface film.

http://www.marinedepot.com/reef-tank-parameters.html

 

[jsnrice]

Thanks!! :xd:

 

[jsnrice]

Thanks!! :xd:

I don't test for Phosphates as of yet.

 

[jsnrice]

Hey everyone. I think I'm doing alright with keeping Nitrates and Ammonia down. Every time I test for these I find that the levels are very low. I have a clean up crew (hermits, blenny, and bio filtration setup). My concern is making sure I get the Ph, Calc, Mg, and Alk just right. If I went with the Red Sea Max test here Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Ca/Alk/Mg Multi Test Kit and say I found something was low would you advise dosing with one of the supplements here --> Red Sea Saltwater Aquarium Additives & Supplements Just seems like the money for all these tests and then dose solutions could add up. What would you all recommend? I've heard dosing is like a band aid and that if something is low I need to figure out what is out of balance which means more small adjustments, lots of notes, and then more testing. With all the fluctuations in a nano this could be tricky. What do you all suggest?

 

[Tahoe61]

In my nanos I dose a 2 part solution, personally I like 2fishies, or kent A/B. You can simply do water changes with a quality salt to maintain the big 3 which is easily done in that size of tank. You'll kill two birds with one stone. Eventually if you get to the point where your tank requires dosing you can also just start a Kalk drip rather than dose or top off with a kalk solution. Research kalkwasser administration thoroughly first though. Regardless you need to test the big 3 occasionally even if you are only keeping LPS.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Your levels for ammonia and nitrates shoukdnt test low, ammonia should always test 0 and nitrates should test at least less than 40.

 

[jsnrice]

Did some more research. I do have an API test kit for the basics (Ammonia and Nitrate) and am confident that everything is fine because I have a bunch of LPS that's doing well and I have no algae (large cleaner crew and bio balls with LR). I use the kit for basic tests every week and all parameters check out fine. So based on your suggestions I found a few items that I think will really help out. Let me know what your thoughts are:

Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Ca/Alk/Mg Multi Test Kit

BRS Bulk Kalkwasser Starter Package - Bulk Reef Supply

Then I was thinking of making a DIY auto top off. Nothing to expensive. Or I could auto top off every morning before work. Your thoughts?

 

[jsnrice]

I meant they test out fine. I have a color coded test kit and am having no algae issues and keep everything (sand and rock) clean with my clean up crew. Before buying the dosing stuff mentioned in my next post I'll look into the saltwater and try the test kit first.