New to SPS. Please help!

[PirateLove]

Hi RC. Just measured tonight and my Calcium is 420 and my Alk 8.5. I am using reef crystals and BRS two part. My question is...

Will my SPS be happy if I kept these parameters stable?

It seems like when I raise my Alk my Calcium drops. I have read Randy's writeup but still having a bit of trouble. Also, why is my heater covered in white stuff??

Thanks so much for any help or tips.

 

[JojoAZ]

The white stuff on your heater is calcium precipitation and yes those are good numbers to target. I stopped using 2 part a long time ago and just dose kalkwasser in my ATO, way easier to maintain stability that way. I've never experienced precipitation at Ca420 and dkh8.5 so maybe check and ensure your ph is correct. Incorrect Magneisium could also be a reason you're precipitating calcium at 420.

 

[JojoAZ]

Actually I take that back on the low Mg causing precipitation, I believe just inhibits Calcium from being absorbed, as its its needed to be taken up by the corals. I'm no chemistry expert, so maybe someone can correct me or elaborate more but Mg is important when looking at the other numbers.

 

[SputnikNYC]

New to SPS. Please help!

I've used BRS two part before and i had to switch to ESV due to that white stuff on some of my equipment... Never had it again with ESV.