55 gallon SPS reef- new additions (12/18/14)

I think I have my effluent pH set where I want it. It's hanging at 6.65-6.7. There is definitely desingration occurring. I tested the all of the effluent and it was well above 28 dKH (2.0 ml of red sea reagent) before I stopped titrating.

My tank pH is around 7.80-7.85, so I will continue dosing small amounts of kalk (1-3 teaspoons per 5 gallons) to keep pH higher. 1-3 teaspoons should keep my top off water around a pH of 11.00.

I'll continue to monitor and adjust as necessary.

Right now, I am starting the process of bringing my Calcium up to my target level of 450 ppm. Right now, it's at 350 ppm. I am adding 1 teaspoon/hr dry calcium chloride in water. I will do this 5 times, which should get me to 425, at which point I will test and see where I am and do my final adjustment accordingly.

 

I hope this helps. It's an old picture of the sump before I set it up. It's easier to see as it's not nearly as cluttered here as it is in person.

 

Thanks Kevin, that's exactly what I was looking for. I'm trying to get ideas for my sump.

 

Most of my SPS are on the sand bed, where I am getting a PAR reading of 190 from an Apogee par meter. Is this generally a good value for SPS?

 

Hi, leds are to be measured in PUR not PAR so the reading will not really be much use bud

I am assuming you have leds from the spec in you sig

 

I have both LEDs and T-5s.

 

I'm removing my calcium reactor until further notice. I have some research to do. My pH was sitting around 7.6, as the CO2 in the reactor was holding my pH down. That is getting dangerously close to the level cat which skeletal matter starts dissolving.

An hour after turning off the reactor, my pH was back to 8.15, and that is 3 hours after lights out.

 

Come a long way. Note the pink birdsnest and monticap and compare to above.