~5 months in - How am I doing?

[mark917]

I've read and learned a ton from this forum but sometimes its just so overwhelming :hmm5:

I think I'm in good shape but wanted some feedback on a couple of high readings. Ill try to include everything:

-Using reef crystals
-RODI with 0 TDS (~300 from tap which is well water)
- 5 month old reef tank (started with 1 live rock and live sand (2 inches) and about 60 lbs of base rock)
- SG 1.024 - Refractometer
- temp 78
-NH3 = 0
-NO2 = 0
-NO 3 = 0 (changed 20% last week)
Here we go....
Alk - 8.4 (Red Sea)
Ca - 500 (red Sea) confirmed at 480 with API
Mg - 1600 (Red Sea) (used full 1.0 full of syringe to turn blue)

I have a light bio load (2 clowns, a YWG/Pistol pair, 2 darts and a small CUC) and just recently started adding corals (small toadstool, Torch frag, 3 head paly frag, frilly mushrooms (larger colony) and Kenya tree. I also just added a RBTA which is quite small.

I believe from reading that my issue may well be the Reef Crystals and the low demand for Mg and Ca and I should just let it stay its course and keep adding coral to increase demand (that's the fun part but my wife won't agree). I want to go slow (and I can't afford to populate the entire tank with corals just yet) so should I be looking to reduce Mg and Ca un-naturally? Will these high readings begin to affect anything in my tank now?

Oh also I do not dose anything.

 

[bertoni]

Those numbers are safe enough as is. People run tanks with high magnesium levels and see no problems, even after many months. Corals would help reduce the 500 ppm calcium level, and might eventually drop the magnesium a bit.

 

[tjnorthdakota]

Would make sure you have at least some nitrate 2-9ppm is a good range otherwise the corals will starve

 

[mark917]

Thanks Bertoni and tj.

I'll look at how I can raise nitrates. I assume the easy way will be to loosen up on the water changes and maybe feed a little more?

Thanks again

 

[bertoni]

I probably would leave the nitrate level as is, given that the animals are fine. You could try adding a bit more food, though, but I'd watch the phosphate level, as that can cause problems for stony corals.

 

[mark917]

Got it. Missing a phosphate kit. Will pick one up this week.

Thanks!

 

[bertoni]

You're welcome. Good luck!

 

[RAMABAMA]

Got it. Missing a phosphate kit. Will pick one up this week.

Thanks!

I suggest spending a little extra and get one of the Hanna Checkers. I use the ultra low phosphorus checker and it is awesome. No trying to match colors.