SALT CHOICE

[fonger1983]

Hi all, new to this entire space. Been keeping a 75 gal tank now for over a year, and I’m really tuned into my trace elements. I just can’t get them dialed in. Calcium and magnesium is way too high, and I’m starting to think it’s the reef crystals.

So what’s the thought here? I’m thinking instant ocean and dosing A and B

 

[Formulator]

I’m not seeing any calcium or magnesium in these graphs. Can you just list your current parameters? Reef crystals is not your problem. Its the most popular salt mix in the hobby and nobody else has problems like this with it. I suspect testing error or incorrect preparation is more likely.

Also, just FYA, calcium and magnesium are not considered “trace” elements. They are core elements. Trace is everything else in the water and we don’t really measure them regularly. They are managed by water changes or more advanced dosing regimens that you probably don’t need to worry about at this point.

 

[twentyleagues]

Even if they are elevated what makes you say they are too high? And what is elevated? What are you basing this off of.
I have used rc exclusively for over 15 years never see an issue with "elevated" calc or mag. Alk on the other hand depending on nutrients can lead to issues.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

So what’s the thought here? I’m thinking instant ocean and dosing A and B

If you think calcium is high, why are you dosing?

 

[fonger1983]

So, here’s my calcium levels. I’m about to do a 30% change because my phosphates are at .90!

 

[aSaltyKlown]

A water change will not help po4 and I think your test might be off. Going from 425 to 600 seems like a test error. Do you have a second test kit? Have you dosed anything?

Always a good idea to keep two types of test kits if you can. When something seems off with my Hanna, I grab the Salifert's.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I suspect the calcium test is not accurate or the salinity is much too high.

When you say you may dose A and B, what products are those?

Just an fyi, calcium, magnesium and alkalinity are not trace elements, if that is how you are using the term,

 

[rtparty]

Most of the Hanna tests are not accurate or reliable especially calcium and magnesium.

Alkalinity, nitrate HR and phosphorus ULR are the only three worth using