SPS Frags Alk/Ca Uptake Question

[fraggin corals]

I have a 65 reef that has been running for about a year. I have just started adding my sps frags. At present I have 12 small frags (1-1.5") and seven 'mini colonies' (2-3"). The smaller frags have been in the tank for about three weeks and the larger ones for a week now. I have not been dosing any alkalinity or calcium supplements so I could determine how much I'll need to start dosing. In the week that all corals have been in the tank, neither level has changed. My alk is steady at 8.6 dkh, calcium is 420-430 ppm, and mag is 1350 ppm. I am running a RB Photon 32 over the tank and am seeing great polyp extension. Could the lack of level changes be due to the fact the coral are newly introduced to the tank and are still adjusting? I assume I should just continue to monitor the levels until I see a change? I am using Salifert kits to test.

Other tank parameters are salinity at 1.026 (35 ppt), PO4 at 0 ppm, and nitrates at 0 ppm.

 

[Mark426]

Yes. I might take quite some time before they settle in and grow enough to see much change in your prams. I also suggest letting your Nitrates and Phosphates rise to just delectable levels. Your corals will thank you.

 

[fraggin corals]

Thanks for the info. What would be acceptable levels for the phosphates and nitrates?

 

[nemodan]

Phosp 0.03 - 0.06 ppm

0 < NO3 < 5 ppm