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[ryan_ferguson25]

So I'm just looking for some opinions and suggestions. I bit the bullet today and purchased 4 new Salifert test kits:
PO4
Alk
Mg
Cal.

My results as of today are:
Temp 75 Deg.
PO4 - 0
Nitrate - 0 (API)
Alk - 6.4
Mg - 1230
Cal - > 500

I also purchased ESV 2-part and mag. I have started dosing alk and Mg until I get those to the recommended numbers. Am I on the right track? Why is cal so high?

I have a small/moderate cyano issue that needs fixing... I tried scrubbing while syphoning and it came back pretty quick... next I was going to try reducing my light schedule from 8 to 6 hours and try syphoning cyano again....next I guess I'll try lights out completely...48-72 hrs...? I'm down to feeding once a day... and pretty much everything is consumed...

80 gallon
Aqeon #2 sump with bio ball filter set up
Skimmer
2 filter socks with phosguard in media bag..going to add carbon during my next water change.
Jebao PP8 and RW8 powe heads at 50%

Stock:
2 ocelleris clowns
1 coral beauty
1 small blue hippo ( there is a trade going to happen while the fish grows for some coral frags )
Small zoa frag (fire and ice)
Small hammer frag ( 1 head )
Small Duncan frag ( 2 heads )
Small candy cane frag ( 3 heads )

I don't have DI water... I use R/O

Thanks.

 

[rtparty]

What salt are you using? If you haven't been dosing anything, that is the cause for your numbers.

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

What salt are you using? If you haven't been dosing anything, that is the cause for your numbers.

Kent Reef Salt

I've never dosed before

 

[thegrun]

Any of the "Reef" salts will mix high in calcium, so if you don't much demand in your tank for calcium from stony corals or coraline algae your calcium levels are going to be high, although it's surprising that your alkalinity is not also high. You might want to switch to a salt mix that is lower in calcium like Instant Ocean.

 

[rtparty]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2554264

There's a great thread with a bunch of salt mixes and numbers

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

Any of the "Reef" salts will mix high in calcium, so if you don't much demand in your tank for calcium from stony corals or coraline algae your calcium levels are going to be high, although it's surprising that your alkalinity is not also high. You might want to switch to a salt mix that is lower in calcium like Instant Ocean.

Ok thx. I don't have much or any corraline yet... I thought the low alk was odd too. I'm almost through the salt mix so I'll try a different brand next time. Th

 

[ryan_ferguson25]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2554264

There's a great thread with a bunch of salt mixes and numbers

Thx