And what would be `mystery X factors' that we can define?
D.O.M. /Organics would appear to be one.
I guess this falls into the all those untestable nutrients that we can have in our systems when all our parameters test as "perfect". Here is what I use as my gage to keeping nutrients levels as low as possible.
How long can you go without cleaning the front of your glass before you can notice it being dirty? I used to only be able to go 3-4 days and then it really needed to be cleaned. Since last August (10 months ago) I got more aggressive on my water quality, and in the past 8 months or so I can easily go 7 days without cleaning my glass and you can hardly even notice any buildup on the glass when I do clean it, which is now once a week.
As far as stuff being in the water column, I've got things floating around as well, but it shouldn't impede you're viewing of the tank (I use no filer socks or sponges to remove anything either).
Here is a picture (from today) looking down my tank, six feet long. I also have not cleaned the glass for 4 days in this picture, you can hardly, if at all, see any build up yet on the glass. And it's clear from one end to the other.
For those of you keeping a tight lid on your water chemistry, what test kits are you using? I'm especially interested in the kits you guys are using for Nitrates, PO4, and Magnesium.
I've had good luck with both Salifert and SeaChem test kits as well.
Why is Cyano in the corners here or there okay
Because almost every tank I have seen in person or on the boards seems to have at least a little. When I write a little, I mean a patch or two here and there. I have some too. But it should only be a little, meaning you have to look for it, not have it visible all over.
I would agree with the parameters listed. These seem to be what is mentioned in most reefkeeping texts.
But I don't think everyone keeps those levels. Keeping SPS and colorful healthy ones, is still a difficult thing to do. From the posts I see in this forum, I would say many people do not keep these levels in their tank. Most people have detectable nitrates, huge temperature swings, hair algae or other PO4 problems (from looking at pictures posted).
I understand what the params should be and why. How about the "hows". Exactly HOW do you keep these water parameters within your target range?
While I have decided not to continue using Rowaphos, I am not sure we can lower phosphates to the necessary levels through RO/DI, water changes, detritus removal, macroalgae, not overfeeding etc.. Especially if we want to keep fish.
Personally I think you can get the levels that are given above. As far as how to do it. The easiest and cheapest way is frequent water changes and carbon. That and aggressive skimming should be able to get most all your levels down as long as you do not stock too heavily with fish. Using a refugium helps a lot. I think many times people are too impatient to wait for the tank to take care of itself.
So what other things are you guys doing to keep your levels down? I'll post everything I do to keep my tank running healthy a little later this morning.
JK
As I would propose that different tanks have different bacterial levels, and in closed aquaria environment ... bacteria often are a dominant player. No idea how to discuss, compare this one; yet that doesn't mean it's not a player + likely relates to or stores compounds [nitrogen, phosphorus] that relate directly to water quality. Given their generally short lifespan, said nutrients are being cycled in and out of the water system.
