Alk "ok", Ph and Ca low...start dosing?

[WestCoastReefNoob]

Hi all,
My IM 80g AIO tank has been running for just over six weeks, through the cycle.
Testing shows that Alk level is nominal for Tropic Marin Pro Reef, but Ph and Ca remain low.

Current averages:
Alk: 7.65 dKH (Tropic Marin PR specs 7-8dKH)
Ca: 280 ppm
Mg: 1440 ppm
pH: 7.9

For pH, I did the bubble test - tank sample tested outdoors in well ventilated area. pH increased to 8.1 over 30 minute period. Re-ran the test with a new sample next to the tank, pH increased to 8.0 over same 30 minute period, showing there is some environmental affect. Tunze 9004 DC skimmer for the rear sump is on the way, which I hope will get pH up to the 8.0-8.1 level at least.

With Ca so low, and I would also like to increase Alk to 8-9dKH and pH to 8.1-8.3 range, should I start dosing AFR or 2-part? I've been planning to use AFR so I have some on-hand.

Any alternatives that don't require dosing this early?

Appreciate any help!

 

[Formulator]

Welcome to R2R!

I suggest you make a one-time correction to the calcium with a 2-part product and leave the rest alone for now. Your pH is perfectly acceptable and the skimmer will likely give you a nice boost. Alkalinity is also perfectly fine and probably better to be around 8.0 until you have a heavier coral load. Many new reefers run Alk too high and end up having problems with precipitation and cloudiness. It is way too early for you to be dosing IMO. I didn’t need to dose anything in my tank for the first year when I started out. Doing so is a good recipe for overdose and precipitation problems again, getting your ionic balance all out of wack and chasing your tail with uneven consumption, equipment cementing, and sand bed hardening. There is nothing consuming any meaningful amount at this point and you will likely be able to maintain parameters just through biweekly water changes for a while.

 

[PharmrJohn]

Edit: Accidental post!

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Hi all,
My IM 80g AIO tank has been running for just over six weeks, through the cycle.
Testing shows that Alk level is nominal for Tropic Marin Pro Reef, but Ph and Ca remain low.

Current averages:
Alk: 7.65 dKH (Tropic Marin PR specs 7-8dKH)
Ca: 280 ppm
Mg: 1440 ppm
pH: 7.9

For pH, I did the bubble test - tank sample tested outdoors in well ventilated area. pH increased to 8.1 over 30 minute period. Re-ran the test with a new sample next to the tank, pH increased to 8.0 over same 30 minute period, showing there is some environmental affect. Tunze 9004 DC skimmer for the rear sump is on the way, which I hope will get pH up to the 8.0-8.1 level at least.

With Ca so low, and I would also like to increase Alk to 8-9dKH and pH to 8.1-8.3 range, should I start dosing AFR or 2-part? I've been planning to use AFR so I have some on-hand.

Any alternatives that don't require dosing this early?

Appreciate any help!

What test did you use for cal test. What do you have in the tank that would consume calcium? Also what is your salinity.

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

Welcome to R2R!

I suggest you make a one-time correction to the calcium with a 2-part product and leave the rest alone for now. Your pH is perfectly acceptable and the skimmer will likely give you a nice boost. Alkalinity is also perfectly fine and probably better to be around 8.0 until you have a heavier coral load. Many new reefers run Alk too high and end up having problems with precipitation and cloudiness. It is way too early for you to be dosing IMO. I didn’t need to dose anything in my tank for the first year when I started out. Doing so is a good recipe for overdose and precipitation problems again, getting your ionic balance all out of wack and chasing your tail with uneven consumption, equipment cementing, and sand bed hardening. There is nothing consuming any meaningful amount at this point and you will likely be able to maintain parameters just through biweekly water changes for a while.

Thank you, and thank you for the guidance. I definitely don't want to tweak things or chase numbers too much, and worried about dosing so early, so it's great to get this feedback. I'll make the one-time correction as you suggest and set up the skimmer and otherwise leave things alone. Thanks again for your help!

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

What test did you use for cal test. What do you have in the tank that would consume calcium? Also what is your salinity.

Hi, I've been using the Hannah testers, and also just installed a Neptune Triton (I'm a tech head, setting up the automation a little early, but will need to be able to monitor remotely soon). Numbers are a little different but both showing low levels. Salinity is a stable 1.026 at 77 degrees. I will probably get the skimmer set up in the next few days before making the one-time Ca correction suggested by @Formulator just so I have more data points before making the adjustment. Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thank you, and thank you for the guidance. I definitely don't want to tweak things or chase numbers too much, and worried about dosing so early, so it's great to get this feedback. I'll make the one-time correction as you suggest and set up the skimmer and otherwise leave things alone. Thanks again for your help!

I would not correct such a low value without validating it somehow. It’s lower than one can attain through normal processes. Also, double Check the salinity.

Use the same kit on some new salt water and see what you get.

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

I would not correct such a low value without validating it somehow. It’s lower than one can attain through normal processes. Also, double Check the salinity.

Use the same kit on some new salt water and see what you get.

Great idea, thanks Randy. I ran a sample from my saltwater mixing/storage tank through the Trident just now:

Salinity 1.026
Temp 76.8
pH 8.1
Alk 7.43 dKH
Ca 340 ppm
Mg 1472 ppm

Ca looks better, but still low per Tropic Marin Pro Reef specs, 420-460


Additional info on the tank, if it helps:
Two small clownfish in the tank, just added a couple of small crabs and snails.
Small ball of chaeto in rear sump, not for nutrient management yet, just for the pods. fuge light on only 3-4 hrs overnight.
Display lights are still off, not planning to turn them on for another couple of weeks.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Great idea, thanks Randy. I ran a sample from my saltwater mixing/storage tank through the Trident just now:

Salinity 1.026
Temp 76.8
pH 8.1
Alk 7.43 dKH
Ca 340 ppm
Mg 1472 ppm

Ca looks better, but still low per Tropic Marin Pro Reef specs, 420-460


Additional info on the tank, if it helps:
Two small clownfish in the tank, just added a couple of small crabs and snails.
Small ball of chaeto in rear sump, not for nutrient management yet, just for the pods. fuge light on only 3-4 hrs overnight.
Display lights are still off, not planning to turn them on for another couple of weeks.

I’d be more inclined to think the testing is off than that the TM salt has calcium that low, but neither can be ruled out entirely.

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

Whoops!

 

[WestCoastReefNoob]

I’d be more inclined to think the testing is off than that the TM salt has calcium that low, but neither can be ruled out entirely.

I need to make a new batch of saltwater now, so a few things I can think to try:

- Remix the dry salt before adding to the RODI water and retest new sample using the Trident and Hannah checkers.

- Calibrate the Trident - it's been up for several days now, time to do this anyway. Retest new sample

- If params are still off, I can make up a sample from the new TM salt box I have on hand, test and compare

Anything else I should try?

Thanks again for your help!