Worried about my parameters

[Tdoan]

Hello

I have had my tank up for 6 months, it hasn’t had many noticeable issues or deaths. I worry about my parameters are a little off. Any input would be appreciated,
here are my parameters. These are averages from multiple Readings.
I use Hanna for the test

dkh 11
cal 475 - Should I worry
PO4 .115 - Should I use phosphate-e?
salinity 1.026
ph 7.8 - seems low

Currently have an issue with my NO3 test have a new one on order

I have Kalkwasser in my ATO I am adding 4 - 1/4 tsp for 5 gallons.
tank is 40 gallon with a fugi 20 sump.
5 gallon water change every week.
I use Instant ocean sea salt

 

[Nigel35]

I would lower your KH to 8 or 9. Calcium probably should be fine but if you have issues with corals I would lower it to the 420-450 range. Phosphates should be kept were there at. It is healthy for a tank to have a small amount of phosphates. Salinity would be better put to 1.024-1.025. Ph is definitely low I would raise it to 8.3 . Sorry for the long answer lol

 

[Oropher]

I believe in tank stability and also keen observation of the biota.
Every tank is unique because lots of variable involved.
Ca 475 if corals are thriving then why not. However with that level of Ca, your equipment may get covered with calcification faster.

Here's a link that you might be interested :

Avoid Chasing Numbers

I have been keeping reef tanks for 25+ years and during a good chunk of that time I tested calcium, alkalinity, nitrate, pH and salinity on a regular basis and that was about it

reefs.com

Happy reefing.

 

[homer1475]

Nothing out of the ordinary here.

My only concern would be the razors edge with a DKH of 11. I would try and lower that down to around 8. I'm assuming its high because IO mixes up to around 10DKH and your using KALK.

Your new salt water can have its DKH lowered using muriatic acid, but if your uncomfortable with using that, then maybe switching salt brands to one that has a lower DKH might be in your future.

Calcium is slightly elevated, but not to concerning. Maybe try stopping the KALK for a while and see if your levels even out.

Typical parameters:
ALK - 7 to 10DKH
CAL - 400 to 450
MAG - 1250 to 1500
PH - 8.3 is the magic number, but typically 7.8 to 8.0 without messing with it chemically is what you'll normally see.

Just remember to not chase numbers, but try to achieve stability within those numbers. While yours maybe slightly elevated, as long as they are consistent day to day is whats more important.

 

[Tdoan]

Nothing out of the ordinary here.

My only concern would be the razors edge with a DKH of 11. I would try and lower that down to around 8. I'm assuming its high because IO mixes up to around 10DKH and your using KALK.

Your new salt water can have its DKH lowered using muriatic acid, but if your uncomfortable with using that, then maybe switching salt brands to one that has a lower DKH might be in your future.

Calcium is slightly elevated, but not to concerning. Maybe try stopping the KALK for a while and see if your levels even out.

Typical parameters:
ALK - 7 to 10DKH
CAL - 400 to 450
MAG - 1250 to 1500
PH - 8.3 is the magic number, but typically 7.8 to 8.0 without messing with it chemically is what you'll normally see.

Just remember to not chase numbers, but try to achieve stability within those numbers. While yours maybe slightly elevated, as long as they are consistent day to day is whats more important.

Thanks for you input, I have reduced the amount of KALK so it will reduce the Dkh.
I am trying to get my PH up this is the reason I went with Kalk but I am unable to get it up to the recommended PH without raising the DKH too much.
I am also concerned with the PO4, it is out of range and have thought about using Brightwell Phosphate-e.

The tank seems to be doing well I an not seeing big growth at this point.