What do you keep your levels at?

[benny z]

i've always just run my tanks at the same numbers a fresh batch of salt mixes to. that way, when i do a water change, nothing changes (except replenished trace elements and reduced nutrients).

so i say pick a quality salt, test it after a fresh mix, and go with it.

 

[watdachuck]

I keep mine at this, and the SPS are pretty happy. There have been minor fluctuations but I have not seen any negative reactions.

 

[FL_Reefer]

I've read lots of the TOM threads and I have a friend that has been doing SPS a while. But since there are many ways to be successful I started with a number and I try to adjust my numbers on what the coral looks like. I use to run a very clean system, so I thought, by keeping a low p04, 0.03 and a nitrite, 0.0. My tank was over run with hair algae, long story. Now my system seems much more dirty but the corals look better than ever. Good polyp extension and color...

That's what I'm talking about, thanks for sharing. I have had good success with keeping my numbers where they are and have adjusted them the same way, ie coral response. Thanks again for the info

 

[FL_Reefer]

I keep mine at this, and the SPS are pretty happy. There have been minor fluctuations but I have not seen any negative reactions.

That's a nice chart you have there. Mine's scribbled in a note book, lol. Have you noticed any difference with letting your mag fall that much in the 6 month period, good, negative or any change at all? Your chart also tells me I need to test for a couple more things. Lol

 

[EW_Fish]

DKH-8.2 (Hanna Checker)
Cal-400 (Red Sea)
Mag-1320 (Red Sea)

Ph-8.2 (Hanna Checker)

 

[FL_Reefer]

i've always just run my tanks at the same numbers a fresh batch of salt mixes to. that way, when i do a water change, nothing changes (except replenished trace elements and reduced nutrients).

so i say pick a quality salt, test it after a fresh mix, and go with it.

That's good advice Benny, and a lot easier too! Thanks bud

 

[Mike O'Brien]

In my experience you use a lot less supplement with alkalinity in the lower end of the range. I'd rather not waste it on precipitation. That takes work to clean.
As far as numbers for calcium and mag, your dealing with parts per million. Small difference like 400 or 450 don't matter. Stability is the key, not the actual number a test kit tells you.

 

[Velodog2]

i've always just run my tanks at the same numbers a fresh batch of salt mixes to. that way, when i do a water change, nothing changes (except replenished trace elements and reduced nutrients).

so i say pick a quality salt, test it after a fresh mix, and go with it.

Hey! Some good thinking went into that!

 

[watdachuck]

That's a nice chart you have there. Mine's scribbled in a note book, lol. Have you noticed any difference with letting your mag fall that much in the 6 month period, good, negative or any change at all? Your chart also tells me I need to test for a couple more things. Lol

I definitely saw better growth with the higher mag levels but it wasn't stunted when lower.

 

[FL_Reefer]

In my experience you use a lot less supplement with alkalinity in the lower end of the range. I'd rather not waste it on precipitation. That takes work to clean.
As far as numbers for calcium and mag, your dealing with parts per million. Small difference like 400 or 450 don't matter. Stability is the key, not the actual number a test kit tells you.

Great points! Thanks for your input

 

[FL_Reefer]

I definitely saw better growth with the higher mag levels but it wasn't stunted when lower.

I too have noticed a little better growth at elevated levels of mag, thanks!

 

[FL_Reefer]

DKH-8.2 (Hanna Checker)
Cal-400 (Red Sea)
Mag-1320 (Red Sea)

Ph-8.2 (Hanna Checker)

Thanks for sharing!