Water levels seem a little low

[BuGG]

Hi,

I was testing my water for the basics after a water change and looks like some of my levels are a little low. I am using Hanna for Alk and Phosphates, Red Sea for Calc and Mag, and finally API for Nitrates and PH. I ran out of Calc reagents (got it used) but want to double-check in case I messed up on my tests. And if indeed they are low, I need to learn how to dose properly.

So far, I dilute kalk with RO water and alternate that with ESV 2-part. I dose kalk/2-part every other day or every 3 days. I will post my results later today. I wrote it down on a piece of paper that I left at home.

Can anyone recommend an LFS that will do a comprehensive test for water quality? Or can anyone show me the proper way to do the tests when I get my reagent in a couple of days? I saw the videos on youtube but still want to make sure I am doing it right.

Thx in advance!!

Jun

 

[iTzJu]

which levels seems off?! red sea test are kinda weird. if your testing calc and the plunger on the syringe reads .4 ml you really dosed .6 ml of the test regeant. so look for that value on the cards.

 

[BuGG]

I don't remember off the top of my head what the levels were, but I read from recommended levels that my Alk and Calc were low and my Phosp was high. I think these were my readings, but I will post the right ones later when I get home.

Alk - 7.2 (should be bet 8-11)
Calc - 350 (should be (400+)
Phosp - 0.15 (should be 0.02-0.05)

 

[jgraz]

Well if the numbers you posted are close or correct then IMO you Alk is fine. Cal is a bit low and phosphates are a bit high. I shoot for 7 Alk and have always had good results. I also shoot for 425cal. I don't remember the last time I checked my phos but when I was regularly it was around .02-.04

 

[Hockeynut]

The real question Jun is what were they the last time you tested? If you tested the same way and got the same results and your tank looks good I wouldn't worry. Swings are the enemy not necessarily low numbers unless things start to look bad. The only one I would worry about is phosphate it seems high. How fast does your glass get dusty? Do you have any nucence alge?

 

[BuGG]

Ok, I re-tested again tonight and here are my results:

SG - 1.025 (refractometer)
pH - 8.2 (API)
Nitrates - 5 (API)
Phosphates - 0.09 (Hanna)
Calcium - 335 (Red Sea)
Magnesium - 1160 (Red Sea)
Alkalinity - 7.90 dkh* (Hanna)

* I tried using the Red Sea Alk test, but the liquid's end color is yellowish instead of the pink in the videos. I'm out of Hanna Alk reagent, so this test is the one I did earlier this morning.

The phosphates went down because I just refilled my reactor with fresh GFO and GAC. So it was probably high to begin with, then the levels started falling with the new GFO.

I did the same test a week or two ago, but I did not do it after a water change. These were the results previously:

SG - 1.025 (refractometer)
pH - 8.2 (API)
Nitrates - 20 (API)
Phosphates - 0.14 (Hanna)
Calcium - 350 (Red Sea)
Magnesium - 1080 (Red Sea)
Alkalinity - 7.28 dkh (Hanna)

It looks like I have to start dosing the big 3.

Rob, I clean the glass every 3-4 days. That's when you notice the dusty algae build-up. I also have some small bubble algae here and there, but they are not overwhelming the tank.

 

[iTzJu]

Jun, I believe you really need to start thinking about dosing regularly. You say that you alternately dose kalk and ESV. kalk isn't used to increase levels but to maintain, however if your corals are using up more than the kalk your dosing, it'll be a loosing battle. there is always a point where kalk will no longer be enough to keep up with the demand and the way your tank has been booming, i believe you might have hit that plateau. I would dose the 2 part daily, and would increase your magnesium to at least 1250-1450. I would dose to get the levels where they should be, then start testing everyday for the next week or so, figure out the tanks demand and then dose accordingly.

As far as your phosphates and nitrate problem, I've seen your tank in person and I know you have a full tank of fish. Like I've said before, you would need to eventually upgrade your skimmer! upgrading to a bigger and better skimmer will definitely give you some breathing room in terms of NO3/PO4. I suggest looking for a used skimmer (save some cash) that's rated at least double your tank size. I am currently running a BM NAC7 (best skimmer I have owned so far) on my 80 and that's rated up to 185 gallons. Dude, I'm less than 10 mins away, if you ever need anything. let me know! haha

 

[BuGG]

You're right. My every 2-3 day dosing isn't enough anymore. I had a hunch that was the case so I tested a couple of weeks ago and re-tested again yesterday. I had a feeling that my corals may be taking up more than water changes and my rough dosing are providing.

I have to figure out what skimmer I can upgrade to. My sump's skimmer area is small so I can only fit a skimmer with a small footprint there.

BTW, thanks for the offer for help. If you are in my area, can you show me how you test using my testers? Who knows, maybe I am doing it wrong! Or maybe I can bring a sample of my water and test kits and I drop by your house. I have to see your 80 gal!

 

[iTzJu]

I'll try and pass by this weekend bro!

the 80 is still closed for public viewing haha. still not finished with a couple of things and getting more goodies in the mail this week that will require me to revise my current plumbing layout.

 

[Juano908]

Jun I'll bring my test kit tonight.

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[BuGG]

OK, thanks guys! Appreciate all the help!

 

[dppitone]

Do your eyes see anything wrong in the display tank?

 

[BuGG]

Nothing wrong that I can see. Fish are all healthy and active. All corals have polyp extension. But just want to make sure water levels are in the recommended ranges.

 

[Juano908]

Jun I've seen your tank many times already and it looks very nice, just keep doing what you've been doing.

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