• Help to correct Ca/Mg.

  • Samuel6138

The system has been running for 1.5 years with 500 liters, and SPS corals are alive and even showing signs of growth. However, the growth of acroporas is poor; they have been stagnant for a year. The light is sufficient, and the current is okay. The parameters are Kh-7, pH-8, Ca-380/390, Mg-1200, and salinity-1.0245. When I tried to raise Mg, everything started to be covered with coralline algae within a week, and the acros began to show some growth in their skirts. The parameters changed slightly: Mg-1280, Ca-410, and Kh remained the same. But after just a week, the parameters dropped back to the old levels (Kh remained stable throughout these changes). The system has a calcium reactor with ARM media, and 2.5 kg of media lasts for 5-6 months. I want to raise Ca to 420/440 and Mg to 1280/1300 while keeping Kh the same or somehow lowering Kh. Now the question is: How can I achieve this, and will these changes be effective? Thank you in advance to everyone.

Randy

As far as I know, there is no point in raising calcium to levels of 420-440 and keeping kN around 7, since for a kN level of 7, the balanced concentration of calcium will only be 410 ppm (data from this calculator, as well as others).

Cheryl

That's right, it won't work physically; the parameters of calcium/magnesium salt content are clearly related to hardness. Moreover, calcium is primarily consumed in the form of bicarbonate - and this (roughly speaking) is our infamous Kh.

Melissa3200

In the light, it's 6/80 ATI. It shines for 12 hours minus 2 hours for sunrise and sunset. The Kh-8 was kept for about a year, with Ca-410/405 and Mg-1080. Only seriopores, stylopores, and pocilopores grew; everything else just stood still. After this stagnation, it was decided to adjust the parameters to the standard (7/420/1280), but after all the adjustments, calcium and magnesium still collapsed. Regarding the fluctuations in parameters, they are "practically nonexistent." I measure salinity with a refractometer at 32 ppm, and on the left, it's 1.0245. Is it necessary to have it at 1.027?

Paul

Yes, I forgot to mention that I feed Riff pepper once a week. I don't add any more supplements and haven't added any.

Jerry

Despite the uneven salinity of various seas and oceans, a standard salinity of 35 parts per thousand is accepted for maintaining a home marine aquarium. 32 parts per thousand is the salinity of the Arctic Ocean. The content of trace elements and the chemical composition of water are usually based on this indicator (naturally, for lower density/salinity, it will be different). I would start from here.

Kimberly3727

After yesterday's communication and evening reading of forums and articles, I decided to adjust the salinity. The initial readings were 1.0245 or 32%. I decided to raise the salinity by one unit. Using a calculator, I calculated that I needed to add 780g of salt for 500 liters. I dissolved the salt in 5 liters of RO water and slowly introduced it into the system over about 3 hours. After all this manipulation, no one was observed to be in stress. We checked the salinity and started to stress ourselves; the salinity was 35%, which was a bit too high. I don't understand why it turned out that way, but it is what it is. Maybe I shouldn't be doing this after work. In the morning, all the corals looked the same as before the manipulation, but the feeling of... consequences doesn't leave me.

Tricia7885

Yesterday I tested the water after salting, and here's what I found: KH-6.4/Ca-405, the salting seemed to work correctly. I checked the KH daily after salting and noticed that its consumption nearly doubled, so I increased the flow from the KR. I will continue to monitor.

Amber1273

Let TS forgive me, but in order not to create uniform topics, I will ask a small question regarding kN here. Please tell me, what is the maximum amount by which the kN level can be adjusted at one time (in degrees or as a percentage of the initial level), and how often can this be done per day?

Monique1236

The question is somewhat ambiguous; much depends on the population (in particular, whether there are acres) and the initial water parameters. - If it's a closed system, I would gradually adjust it over two weeks, as it is very inert. - If it's balling/additives, I wouldn't exceed the maximum daily dosage recommended by the manufacturer (often indicated on the packaging). Within these limits, you can vary confidently (usually, the manufacturers are quite cautious). Whether to add it once or twice a day depends on the availability of free time and desire. Also, let's not forget that we usually add not only the buffer that directly affects the alkalinity but also calcium and magnesium.