Water Parameters for LPS

[forddna]

I took a water sample to my LFS yesterday and had them test for calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, etc.

Now, what numbers should I be aiming for in a strictly LPS and softie tank? Someone told me that simply doing water changes will keep my figures where they need to be for LPS.

What are your opinions?

BTW, here's my numbers:

Calcium - 325
Mag - 1200
Alk - 3.19

ph, ammonia, nitrates were all in good range. I just don't know about the calc, mag, and alk.

 

[dragonette]

this is a highly controversial subject. Ive come to the opinion that the less you add the better. Regular water changes.. and a good light source. As long as you arent having nitrates out of control most lps and softies are just about bullet proof.

I started adding these two supps whenever I topoff and my corals seem happy? I dont know if they are making a difference but they arent hurting anything lol. They were recommended by a friend at the LFS.

Honestly.. if your tank is 'mature' it should maintain parameters without needing to mess with it.

My tank is lps/softy and the corals are very healthy.

supps I use are
Natureef hardness plus and
natureef alkalinity plus

Jess

 

[forddna]

Makes sense. Minimum numbers are okay, but a tad higher numbers would be better, huh?

 

[catfisher]

I have been trying to get my Calcium levels up. I am currently stuck around 325 ppm and my LPS look very good. I've been dosing with Kent Calcium, not sure how much it's helping.

 

[Primetime33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12709465#post12709465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by catfisher
I have been trying to get my Calcium levels up. I am currently stuck around 325 ppm and my LPS look very good. I've been dosing with Kent Calcium, not sure how much it's helping.

What are your Mag levels? If you magnesium levels are low (i.e. under 1200) your Calcium levels will be hard to raise.

 

[catfisher]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12710113#post12710113 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Primetime33
What are your Mag levels? If you magnesium levels are low (i.e. under 1200) your Calcium levels will be hard to raise.

I'll test it tonight...ugh...I hate doing tests...