New Tank Readings

[Rueda13]

Been up for about a week now with live sand/rock only plus a little hitch hiker crab.

pH 7.6
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Alkalinity 4.6
Nitrate 2
Salinity 1.024
Temp @ 80 degrees

Thinking of getting a algae crew tomorrow and about 2 weeks later a clown

What yall think so far with the numbers?

 

[vhuang168]

Alkalinity is in meq/l? That converts to 12.88dkh which is pretty high. What are your calcium and magnesium levels?


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[Rueda13]

Alkalinity is in meq/l? That converts to 12.88dkh which is pretty high. What are your calcium and magnesium levels?


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Yes, Meq/L

I am going to do another reading now. It is a bit complicated to do with the Red Sea Kit. It ask you add a drop then shake 10 seconds and continue the process over and over till the water changes color.

The Red Sea kit I bought does not have Calcium and mag test kit. Any recommendations on a brand? stick to red sea?

 

[Rueda13]

ok did another reading. I feel this one more accurate, after adding a drop and shaking, I let it stand for about 10 more seconds to develop color before adding another drop. This time I got a 3.6 meq/l
Is that a good reading?

 

[vhuang168]

That converts to 10.08. Still a touch high, esp at 1.024 salinity. But in acceptable range.


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[Rueda13]

how do you bring alk down? I think I am going to wait couple more weeks before adding live stock. Should I purchase Mag & Calcium test kits as well?

 

[TigeBell]

don't worry about your alk that high. It will come down on it's own and you are within a safe limit now.

 

[Tanthaitrung]

KH will come down itself. Don't worry, your KH is fine (mine is 11dkh). Yes, you need MG & CA tests. Salifert is a good option

 

[RobZilla04]

Been up for about a week now with live sand/rock only plus a little hitch hiker crab.

pH 7.6
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Alkalinity 4.6
Nitrate 2
Salinity 1.024
Temp @ 80 degrees

Thinking of getting a algae crew tomorrow and about 2 weeks later a clown

What yall think so far with the numbers?

One week and you're cycled... hmmm

Anyhow, here is a reference for reef parameters. Don't try to chase any one particular value, keep a stable platform within the ranges. Add livestock slowly and monitor your system. Be prepared for algae breakouts here and there.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/