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Unread 04/07/2014, 07:08 PM   #101
Reefvet
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Quote:
Originally Posted by droog View Post
Any view on which level of salinity would be better?
If it works don't fix it.


Look at the health of your reef and it's inhabitants. Knowing what the numbers should be is important when you're new to the hobby. Learning to not run a tank by the numbers is equally important but takes some time to understand.

The RS recommendation for higher alkalinity is part of their program for good growth in SPS corals. I believe you'll find different numbers are recommended by RS different types of reefs, Softies vs. SPS etc..


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Unread 04/23/2014, 07:46 AM   #102
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Thanks for the quality information .


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Unread 05/02/2014, 06:43 PM   #103
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What do you need for a kalk drip in a 15 gallon and 2 and a half gallon


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Unread 05/02/2014, 06:48 PM   #104
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Obviously I'm not buying a calcium reactor for a 21/2 or 15 for that matter lol


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Unread 05/06/2014, 05:34 AM   #105
Randy Holmes-Farley
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A slow pump is the best way, perhaps connected to an auto top off system (that's what I use), but some folks use drippers of various sorts.


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Unread 05/06/2014, 03:18 PM   #106
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Thanks for the read mate. I know I have slacked off on my calcium and mag and I paid for it. Corals are still all alive, but don't look happy. Now that I've been raising those elements, the corals looks better and better each day. My calcium dropped to 300 and my mag to 1150!!!


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Unread 05/07/2014, 02:49 PM   #107
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well said


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Unread 05/15/2014, 10:00 PM   #108
inetmug
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I am looking at the Red Sea Reef kit to start. Over time I might get into the electronic versions. Do they make electronic reef versions? Not sure I have seen one for magnesium for example.


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Unread 05/16/2014, 12:50 AM   #109
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So if I started cycling a tank with instant ocean and wound up deciding I want to do a reef tank instead, how do I go about incorporating the reef salt?


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Unread 05/16/2014, 04:11 AM   #110
Randy Holmes-Farley
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Normal IO is a perfectly fine salt for a reef tank. It is what I use.


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Unread 05/16/2014, 04:22 AM   #111
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Thanks Randy, my first time speaking with you but from what I've read I can't go wrong with your words. If you don't mind could you peruse my recent post about refugium filtering? I'm in dire need of some knowledge


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Unread 05/16/2014, 10:29 AM   #112
bdsage
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randy whats the best cal/mag additive to add to io salt mix to raise to appropriate levels? alk. is about 10...i change 5 gals. at a time so what amount would be best.thanks


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Last edited by bdsage; 05/16/2014 at 10:34 AM. Reason: incomplete
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Unread 05/16/2014, 10:45 AM   #113
Randy Holmes-Farley
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I'd use calcium chloride and magnesium chloride (or magnesium chloride plus 10% Epsom salt). BRS and some other vendors sell suitable and inexpensive bulk stuff). If cost is a big issue, you can get by with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate).


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Unread 05/16/2014, 01:03 PM   #114
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thx randy can u tell me how much of each to bring to a proper balance for 5gals.@ alk. of 10...?


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Unread 05/16/2014, 05:50 PM   #115
Randy Holmes-Farley
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I'm not sure how much you want to raise them.

I wouldn't add anything for alkalinity.

I do boost the magnesium in IO without measuring. I add enough to boost it by ~150 ppm, which offsets loses in the tank, where I never add any. I don't add any calcium to it, but if you do, the calculator below will tell you how much (also for magnesium):

http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html


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Unread 05/18/2014, 02:34 PM   #116
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I'm curious to know why my calcium is so high?

75g DT
20g Sump
I've only been dosing BRS 2 part Alk to get my levels above 9.

Alk 9.3
Cal 510
Mg 1330
Temp 81*
Phos - 0.00
Sg - 1.026

Any input is welcome.


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Unread 05/18/2014, 05:03 PM   #117
Randy Holmes-Farley
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What salt mix are you using?
Many start at that level of calcium or higher.


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Unread 05/18/2014, 05:33 PM   #118
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Io Reef crystals


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Unread 05/19/2014, 05:12 AM   #119
Randy Holmes-Farley
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Then I'm not sure why it is 500 ppm, but that is not too high. If you want it lower, just use only the alk part of the two part for a while and let the calcium decline over time.


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Unread 05/19/2014, 08:31 AM   #120
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Ok thanks. I've been using just the alk part as it is.


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Unread 05/21/2014, 05:38 AM   #121
Randy Holmes-Farley
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That's a fine plan, assuming you believe the calcium test result. If you did not add a lot of calcium somehow, I'd be suspect of the value since normal IO won't typically have calcium that high.


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Unread 06/11/2014, 06:01 PM   #122
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I am so new and never have I worked with a saltwater tank-much less reef tank but it is what I really want.
Thank you so much for this explanation-you answered questions I had wanted answers for and answered questions, I didn't realize I had!
Again, thank you Sk8r!


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Unread 07/06/2014, 02:55 AM   #123
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Good read. Ty


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Unread 07/06/2014, 06:22 PM   #124
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Ah, the things we overlook that when looking back wish we had read a post like this!


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Unread 07/15/2014, 05:00 PM   #125
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Great information. Thank you for posting this.


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