What is going on with my tank?

[Nanook]

I've got all the test kits you need for the water. Hershey brings up a good point on the magnesium....let's see what your parameters read over here and then we can really scratch our heads.

 

[Pkelley228]

Sounds great! I will see you tomorrow then.

 

[Ocean View]

You boy's have fun and keep us posted. Inquiring mines want to know. :hmm5:

 

[breutus]

Nook please keep informed of water params after tested I am curious here I would say that mag has to be off with alk and calc at those readings

Pkelly what were you dosing for mag when you did it and how long ago? Did this start sometime afterward?

An easy way to test for stray voltage, which can effect coral and not fish, is to take a volt meter on a standard setting for 110 ac stick one end in to a GROUND prong of a grounded outlet and the other wire tip into the water if you seeing over 8-10 volts it could have some effect. If it's up around 30 then it could be a big part of the problem.

I would also agree that getting carbon running effectively is important right now and to get a good phosphate test done

 

[Pkelley228]

Thanks for the info breutus, I will get hold of a volt meter and test it. I will also post results of the water parameters after checking them with nook. I was dosing magnesium sulfate from bulk reef supply in the top off water and will do so again if that reading ends up low. Things got busy this summer and my attention to the tank lapsed a little. I have been trying to correct this for about 3 months now and just not much luck.

 

[tall_jason79]

sounds like my issue...... my mag was 990 .....willing to bet yours is in the same range.

 

[dphins]

What brand salt are you guys using?

 

[Sistom]

I'm using Reef Crystals and have similar issues with low alk. My parameters are the same as PKelley with the exception that my calcium is 460 and my Alk is 6 dkh (As of last night). I'll test my Mag tonight but last time I checked it was fine (albeit this was maybe 4 months ago).

If the Mag is fine, does anyone have a link to making/using the baking soda method of raising alk?

If the mag is low, where is a good place to purchase magnesium sulfate or are there other options to raise mag?

Either way, I'm following along.

 

[Ocean View]

Sistom this should give you everything you need to answer your question and then some.
An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[Pkelley228]

Well I just got back from nooks house, very nice set up, very impressive. Parameters checked out better than I thought for some things
SG -1.0245
alk - 10.6
calc- 500
mag- 1410
nitrate- 0

There was one problem however and that was my phospates as some have guessed.
It ranged on three different readings from .41 to .23

Looks like some major water changes and some more phosban to try to correct this issue. Thanks to everyone for the input, I will let you know if this gets things rolling in the right direction.

dphins I am using coralife salt.

 

[Sistom]

Sistom this should give you everything you need to answer your question and then some.
An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Thanks Ocean View. That was exactly what I was looking for.

I have a good 2 part solution but I haven't been using it. I know your supposed to use it together to balance alk and calc, but could I just use the 1 part to raise my alk? Would that be ok? (Assuming my mag tests out alright)

 

[tall_jason79]

Thanks Ocean View. That was exactly what I was looking for.

I have a good 2 part solution but I haven't been using it. I know your supposed to use it together to balance alk and calc, but could I just use the 1 part to raise my alk? Would that be ok? (Assuming my mag tests out alright)

epsom salt raises mag, but its only a short term fix.

 

[El Diablo]

If your phosphates are high and you are doing regular water changes. Sounds like you either have something leaching in your tank or your water is not getting filtered well.

 

[Ocean View]

Sistom the answer is yes. It's best to get the Alk and Calcium where you want them before you start to dose. As for as where to get something to raise your Mag. I recommend bulk reef supply but that's just me. Here's some information on what to use to raise Mag and what each product will do.
Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements for the Reef Aquarium
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-07/rhf/index.php

It's long but very informative

 

[Ocean View]

Pkelly228 sounds like Dave got you heading in the right direction. Ain't this hobby grant. :uzi: