Are These Parameters Good

[Jewel]

So I've been thinking about missing 2part or 3part what ever you refer it as,

I can usually tell by looking at my Corals to see if everything is good but I was asked to test my parameters to see if I should dose it not, so here goes.

Calcium 430, dkh 10, pH 7.8, Nitrate is high, that auto feeder isn't doing that great a job, I better cut it back, temp 79

I have never tested for Alkalinity only dkh, from those test results I'd say I don't have to dose, should cut back on the food a bit.

What do you think?

 

[Jewel]

Not missing, doseing, damn auto correct, Lol

 

[TORX]

Alkalinity and dkh are the same thing, just different units, like inches and centimeters or salinity and specific gravity. I think that most measure in dkh as you are. Those levels are nice being at the high end. I do not see a reason to dose at this point. Just take care of the nitrate level if it is an issue and possibly look at spot feeding specific corals in need possibly.

 

[Jewel]

Thanks for the info, now that I have tested, Lol I agree with your findings, I have a really nice Crotea Clam that is doing great. I think if any change that could be made would be to go bigger, a 6 ft tank, I forgot to mention the sg is 1.0235, that's a number that I should get up a bit.

 

[TORX]

That is a little on the lower side for salinity. Most run at least 1.026/7. The only worry now is to raise salinity your other levels will be rising as well. Keep an eye on levels until you get your salinity up.

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[Jewel]

Yes, I've been trying to raise it on every water change, just a bit at a time, wouldn't you say my pH is a bit on the low side though?

 

[TORX]

Your pH is just fine where it is. I would be a little more concerned below 7.6. That is the last parameter that you want to chase.

 

[Jewel]

Ok, so how do we adjust our dkh and pH, I would assume that they would rise together, the pH would be fine but not the other, but how to raise it, does salt raise it or temp.

 

[TORX]

Forget about your pH. Unless it drops below 7.6 or above 8.4 just leave it be. Do nothing.

You do not want to raise your alkalinity/dkH. It is just fine where it is unless there is a particular reason that you want it higher.

You want to raise your salinity. You can do this slowly through adding salt to your top up water or through a few water changes with a higher salinity where your new salt water is about 1.030 (adding the NSW slowly as to not shock the fish)

 

[Jewel]

I got it, I guess I was asking what raises the pH and alk, what contributes to the rise?

 

[TORX]

Most salts have a high alk naturally. I will add a comparison of test results for different brands when mixed to recommended 1.025. Typically mixing more or less salt will result in different results. Adding/dosing alk will raise pH for a little while after dosing, but should settle back down. Dosing too much alk at a time will spike your pH. pH will vary by your water source and salt mix. It typically is stabilized to appropriate levels through your salt when it is mixed in.

 

[Jewel]

Thank you for the chart, I'm using instant ocean, I wish I was using D&D but it's too pricey for me,

I buy my water, RO, always the same source, I really need a RO/DI filter system, I'm doing quite well with this tank with out so much. Thanks for your help

 

[TORX]

Your alk is right on par with the salt mix and salinity your are running.

Tap vs ro vs rodi is an ongoing debate with many. Ro is better then tap, but RO/DI is better then RO. I always suggest RO/DI as it is the best option.

If you want to get a true test done on your parameters, look into the Triton LAB ICP-OES test. It is a little costly, but well worth knowing everything in your tank and better then having to buy all the different test kits to test the 32 elements they test for. I plan on doing it at least once a year.

 

[Jewel]

How do you go about doing the test and how much is it?

 

[TORX]

There are a few people in Ontario who sell it. I of coarse got mine from Ian as he delivered it to me at Fragfest. You purchase the kit, you pay to ship to Quebec. They bulk ship orders weekly (I think weekly) to Germany.

https://sustainablemarinecanada.ca/products/triton-lab-icp-testkit-coming-soon

Here is my thread on when I did it

http://www.thefragtank.ca/community...l-laboratory-services-for-reef-keepers.23923/

Here is a full list of my results.

https://www.triton-lab.de/en/showroom/aquarium/auswertung-b/icp-oes/62805/

 

[Jewel]

I would certainly be interested in doing this if it we're affordable, how much was it?

 

[TORX]

I would certainly be interested in doing this if it we're affordable, how much was it?

You just purchase the kit and ship it. No other expenses.

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[Jewel]

How much is the kit and where do I get the kit?

 

[TORX]

Links are 4 posts back.

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[TORX]

There are a few people in Ontario who sell it. I of coarse got mine from Ian as he delivered it to me at Fragfest. You purchase the kit, you pay to ship to Quebec. They bulk ship orders weekly (I think weekly) to Germany.

https://sustainablemarinecanada.ca/products/triton-lab-icp-testkit-coming-soon

Here is my thread on when I did it

http://www.thefragtank.ca/community...l-laboratory-services-for-reef-keepers.23923/

Here is a full list of my results.

https://www.triton-lab.de/en/showroom/aquarium/auswertung-b/icp-oes/62805/

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk