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hunggi74
06-15-2013, 07:46 AM
Hi. I'm using Seachem Reff Salt and I read that it has lower alk levels. Well, I did some tests and the alk. is 6.7dKH. Mag is at 1290ppm Cal is at 470ppm. PH 7.98 SG. 1.025 I've only got some zoas in the tank right now but am going to be getting into LPS soon. Should I raise alk level with baking soda as it's the only parameter that is low or do I use 2 part in anticipation of LPS corals? Thanks!

Reef Supplies
06-15-2013, 11:35 AM
I would not mess with it. Most tanks do well with simple water changes to maintain levels. You should only be messing with CA/KG/MG when you have enough coral growth that they consume more than your water changes can supply.

Happy reefing

Ray

xenon
06-15-2013, 11:57 AM
I would personally raise alk it a little to 7.5 or 8dkh because if your corals consume even a small amount of alk, you will be too low.

I would also buffer mag to 1350ppm.

DAVE
06-15-2013, 12:42 PM
I would personally raise alk it a little to 7.5 or 8dkh because if your corals consume even a small amount of alk, you will be too low.

I would also buffer mag to 1350ppm.

+1.

Did you test the levels in your tank or are test results from newly mixed saltwater?

If that is the test from the new saltwater then I would be changing salts.

hunggi74
06-15-2013, 03:32 PM
+1.

Did you test the levels in your tank or are test results from newly mixed saltwater?

If that is the test from the new saltwater then I would be changing salts.

The results are from tank water. I will test my saltwater reserve and post results. Thanks for the tips.

Proteus
06-15-2013, 03:52 PM
I would personally raise alk it a little to 7.5 or 8dkh because if your corals consume even a small amount of alk, you will be too low.

I would also buffer mag to 1350ppm.

Agreed. While I was doing w/c to keep param up I have to now dose. While I only keep acros I found millis started to stn at 6.5dkh. Also try to keep mg at 1320 as Lowe mg level can mess with alk reading

hunggi74
06-16-2013, 02:42 AM
Seachem Reef Salt mixed with RODI water has 1360 mag. 500+calcium (Salifert test not able to read past 500) and 6.7dHK for Alk. All at 1.025 SG. Looks like I will be switching salt brands. Do I just gradually do water changes to eventually change out all the water in I'm system? 15gallons a time with couple days in between? My whole system with sump is around 65gallons if you take all the Rick and sand into account. Which salt is recommended?

Proteus
06-16-2013, 02:54 AM
[QUOTE=. Which salt is recommended?[/QUOTE]

That's a thread on its own

MO. reefers best.

I use salinity I know that it's inconsistent But I am testing regularly.