Water parameter ?'s after tank transfer

[kokxy]

I transferred a 120 SPS tank that was somewhat neglected the last month before I bought it. Hence water parameters were a bit out of whack. It has been up for one week now and I ran some tests last night. I currently have a Koraline 1502 reactor with new media installed. This is my 1st attempt with ca reactor. Not sure if its working or not as I am not too firmiliar with dialing it in. I have CO2 injected through chamber every 5-6 sec's and driping Ca into sump at 2-3 drips per second. My current tank parameters are PH 8.3-8.5 depending on time of day, Ca 300, ALk 6 dKh, Nitrate 0, Ammonia 0, salinity 1.026 with temp of 80F. Everything looks good as far as SPS as well as clam. What should I do as far as Ca reactor in relation to above water paprameters??? Should I dose additional Ca and ALK buffer while Ca rector is on. I have good polyp extension however I know that my Ca and Alk is too low. I just purchased Turbo calcium and as well as dKh buffer from Kent, it should arrive today. Thanks for your help. Any advise is appreciated.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I would boost the calcium to 420 ppm or so with calcium chloride. This calculator shows how much to use:

Reef chemicals calculator
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html

and this article may help:

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

Then I would add more CO2 to the reactor (or otherwise tweak it) until it is able to maintain the alkalinity where you want. Calcium should then follow along.

These resources may help with the reactor:

Calcium Reactor setup calculator (CaCO3/CO2 reactors)
http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/reactor.html

A Guide to Using Calcium Reactors
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-05/sh/feature/index.php

 

[kokxy]

Thanks Randy for the insight...that is what I was looking for but the search engine always seems to be down.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck.