I've recently set up a new tank and I'm confused with the best course of action when it comes to dosing. I plan to keep mainly corals (hopefully SPS in future) and a few supporting fish/inverts. My tank is a 170 litre DD reef pro 600.
The saltwater I'm buying from my local aquatic shop tests in at: Ca - 380. Alk - 6.9. Ph - 7.8
I understand these levels are too low and should be aiming for (or there abouts) Ca - 440. Alk - 8.5. Ph - 8.2
My questions are -
- Do I start dosing immeditely to bring these levels upto desired levels? (Tank is currently cycled and ready to go..)
- Do I accept that the saltwater I'm buying is the 'goal' level I should try and maintain? - for example, when Ca or Alk drops try and bring them back to (Ca - 380. Alk - 6.9. Ph - 7.8)
- Start mixing my own saltwater for better starting parameters?
The aquatic store I'm buying from is a big reputable seller which is adding to the confusion (my thoughts are perhaps the water is this way as it's more focused on the fish, than corals?? - this is a best guess)
Any help from you guys in demistifying this would be amazing!
The saltwater I'm buying from my local aquatic shop tests in at: Ca - 380. Alk - 6.9. Ph - 7.8
I understand these levels are too low and should be aiming for (or there abouts) Ca - 440. Alk - 8.5. Ph - 8.2
My questions are -
- Do I start dosing immeditely to bring these levels upto desired levels? (Tank is currently cycled and ready to go..)
- Do I accept that the saltwater I'm buying is the 'goal' level I should try and maintain? - for example, when Ca or Alk drops try and bring them back to (Ca - 380. Alk - 6.9. Ph - 7.8)
- Start mixing my own saltwater for better starting parameters?
The aquatic store I'm buying from is a big reputable seller which is adding to the confusion (my thoughts are perhaps the water is this way as it's more focused on the fish, than corals?? - this is a best guess)
Any help from you guys in demistifying this would be amazing!