Dirt-simple chemistry MUST-knows for tank health

[bellis31]

i am new to the hobby and i am trying to start making my on salt water. i purchased Instant Ocean Reef Crystal Sea Salt Marine Mix, 200-Gallon and i dont know how much salt to use per gallon. is there any one that can help me with how much salt to use oper gallon?

It's approximately 1/2 cup per gallon, once mixed test for correct salinity and adjust up or down (add salt or add RO/DI) Use a Refractometer for testing salinity!

 

[civics2k]

With all the help of these forums. Anyone can now research enough to start their own reef. Great job guys

 

[Bpawl]

Great advice! Dirt simple first steps

 

[BiocubeMan]

This really helped me out. I am a beginner and now i have a much better understanding of this hobby.

 

[PrimeReef]

Very Interesting. Thank You!

 

[grimanater]

good read, thanks for posting

 

[droog]

Thanks for this, very nice presentation. I'm confused about the "correct" Alkalinity levels though. You seem to be calling for Alk between 8.3-9.3 dKH but I read elsewhere that Alk should be 11-17 on the dKH scale. I'm using Red Sea Coral Pro asw, which is supposed to mix to an Alk of 11-13 depending on concentration.

My current parameters are

Salinity 1.025
Alk 7.6
Mg 1260
Ca 405

In accordance with the "recipe" posted here, I'm starting to dose Mg to target a level of ~1300 and will then address Ca/Alk using either Kalkwasser via ATO or dosing supplements.

My 120g tank is currently FOWLR, corals mostly LPS some SPS arrive this weekend. Trying to get the parameters in good shape before adding corals. Any pointers appreciateed

-droog

 

[powderblue1]

[repeated from the Reef Discussion Forum]
I recommend, at least every couple of years, an aggressive program of semi-weekly 20% water changes, so you can sort of re-set the balance. It's my own notion, but I think it does a bit to replenish the things far down the list of reef-salt ingredients.

What are you referring to when you say semi-weekly?:wavehand:

 

[Sk8r]

Every 2 days, total of 60% of tank volume. Rest it a month or so, and repeat to what extent (up to 60% total) that you feel might be needful...i.e., a tank that has been subject to long neglect. This helps replace all the trace elements.

 

[monkeysee1]

Salt mixes are NOT all the same. Reef salt contains a high amount of what corals need AND what fish need. Marine salt for fish-onlies is lower in calcium and other minerals. That's why the price difference.

I recommend, at least every couple of years, an aggressive program of semi-weekly 20% water changes, so you can sort of re-set the balance. It's my own notion, but I think it does a bit to replenish the things far down the list of reef-salt ingredients.

Interesting! And your point that if your minerals in your tank water start depleting your FISH too will suffer. Which is why that even though my tank is FISH ONLY I will start doing this. It's ALSO much better to use the better quality reef salts like H2 OCEAN or RED SEA REEF(WHICH I USE) even though you have a FOWLR, as opposed to the cheap ones, no???

 

[Sk8r]

Your fish won't deplete calcium as fast as a coral can (their hunger for it is mind-boggling.) Your best help are the following tests: alkalinity, calcium, magnesium---good coral readings are in my sig line---and if you track those weekly or biweekly, your water will be good. If I were doing a fish-only, I'd set up with a good reef salt, (a little pricier) to get a good baseline, then switch to a cheaper fish salt, and buy a little calcium supplement to use whenever you see the level lower than it started. Your fish will put less demand on the tank, but they sure don't mind living in water that supports corals: it's healthy for them and supports snails and crustaceans, even the tiny ones that may grow and reproduce in your tank. An ecosystem is just a healthier place to live.