What to do

[frags]

Hi guys I was hoping for a little help I am new to the forum.


I just started keeping SPS and I have now 5 frags of them maybe a couple could be considered small colonies. My tank is SPS only. My questions is my Alkalinity dropped from my last water change "see levels below" My questions is should I do the water change without changing the Alk level in my tank to the Alk level of the salt which is 12 for Reef Crystals. I did notice the PH the last few days around 8 and it usually above at 8.25. It is also a little foggy since I noticed the lower ph. Thanks




8/18/13


PH 8.25
Calc 525
Alk 12
Sal 1.025
Phos 0
Nitrate 0


9/2/13


PH 8.05
Calc 525
Alk 9
Sal 1.025
Phos 0
Nitrate 0

 

[mike007]

7-10 is your correct range. Calc is a little high should be 400-450 Reef crystals seem to high high alk. Try to keep levels constant.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Nothing wrong with those ALK numbers. But do you always keep your Cal that high? Your Alk will have an effect on the PH, of which you are sitll in acceptable ranges.

 

[frags]

My Calcium has been that high from the beginning, the tank is only about 3 months old. If the new saltwater mix is at 12 ALK will that be to big of a change to the water that is at 9? I will do 15% change for a 100 gallon system. Or should I eaise the Alk in the main tank befor the water change?

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[Tahoe61]

The question is what value do you end up with after the 15% wc? As already mentioned consistency is the key as long as the value falls within the right range. Sps hate swings, minimize the swing and you should be fine.

Your going to need a Magnesium level to nail down your Alk swings and true values as well.

 

[gonpostal]

If the new saltwater mix is at 12 ALK will that be to big of a change to the water that is at 9? I will do 15% change for a 100 gallon system.

No, a 15% water change will only raise your ALK very slightly. I agree that your CAL is a little high and you'll want to start testing your MAG, it should be around 1300-1350.

 

[Rob in Puyallup]

I've been using Reef Crystals since I set up my tank. Calcium is always around 520. Even with weekly 15 percent water changes.

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[Reefing Madness]

With SPS, that Cal number comes down pretty quick, not to worry. But that Alk, number from Reef Crystals, man thats high.

 

[frags]

Thanks everyone for your help, I plan on doing a 15% water change without buffering. I am going to watch my ALK.