are my params ok for corals?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by damn_damsels, Feb 28, 2008.

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  1. damn_damsels

    damn_damsels Plankton

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2008
    Messages:
    5
    Location:
    Texas
    i've had this fowlr tank running since novembeer 07.

    temp 78-80
    sg 1.025
    ph 8.2
    phos 0
    no2 0
    no3 10
    ca 460
    kh 286.4

    are these params ok to start add a few corals? im a noob when it comes to reefing.

    tank is a 20l
    20lbs live rock
    40lbs live sand
    t5's

    1 firefish
    1 ocellaris

    small clean up crew
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2008
    damn_damsels, Feb 28, 2008
    damn_damsels, Feb 28, 2008
    #1

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  2. wastemanagement

    wastemanagement Eyelash Blennie

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    IMO yes it sould be able to keep some corals.
    Just add them slowly to your tank not all at once.
    Did you have any in mind?
     
    wastemanagement, Feb 28, 2008
    wastemanagement, Feb 28, 2008
    #2
  3. superclouds

    superclouds Flamingo Tongue

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    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    How long has your tank been running? i would wait a few months at least after the cycle to add any. Could start with some easy care stuff as well, mushrooms, zoas.
     
    superclouds, Feb 28, 2008
    superclouds, Feb 28, 2008
    #3
  4. Brandon1023

    Brandon1023 Fire Goby

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    His tank has been running since November. That's about 3 months. I would say you're safe to add corals. However it has been my experience that corals don't need to be added as slowly as fish or other livestock because they don't have the same bio-load impact. I've added 5 or 6 corals at a time before and it's totally fine.
     
    Brandon1023, Feb 28, 2008
    Brandon1023, Feb 28, 2008
    #4
  5. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    I agree completely with that statement; however it might be prudent not to add such an amount on the first addition/attempt. One never knows what can happen when making the big move. If something were to be out of sorts; losing $35 sure beats losing $200 or more.

    It may be wiser to try a first time addition of one coral; and if after this everything seems fine, you can then take a more expensive plunge.

    Keep in mind that nothing good happens fast in a reef tank. Many times I've gone to the LFS looking for a particular piece or fish, only to come home empty handed. In the periods after those trips, I've changed my mind. After a few days I was glad I didn't buy this or that, because it left the door open to get the other. . .

    Your parameters seem ok, but you may consider a water change to the extent where your nitrates would be less than 5-10 ppm. Good luck!!
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2008
    ReefSparky, Feb 28, 2008
    ReefSparky, Feb 28, 2008
    #5
  6. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Very well said my follow Floridian. Dont forget to get a Mag test kit also, very important.
     
    lunatik_69, Feb 28, 2008
    lunatik_69, Feb 28, 2008
    #6

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  7. damn_damsels

    damn_damsels Plankton

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    Location:
    Texas
    thanks guys!!

    i just did a 25% water change. i'll test no3 again tomorrow and try to find a mag test kit. i'm planning to start with some ricordea. i saw a beautiful green ricordea at my lfs so i'm doin some research on it.

    i think im ready to take the plunge.
     
    damn_damsels, Feb 28, 2008
    damn_damsels, Feb 28, 2008
    #7
  8. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    ?
    dKH or meq/L

    which ones and how many?
    what are your tank dimensions?

    Mg?
    flow?
    Ca reactor?
    aatoc?
    dosing?
    CaOH2?
     
    reef_guru, Feb 28, 2008
    reef_guru, Feb 28, 2008
    #8
  9. damn_damsels

    damn_damsels Plankton

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Texas
    dkh,
    current usa 30" 4x24 10k and 460actinic,
    mg testing hopefully soon,
    penguin 1140 rated @ 300 gph,
    no ca reactor,
    top offs whenever needed with ro,
    bi-monthly water changes,
    no dosing.

    not sure what ca0h2 is?
     
    damn_damsels, Feb 29, 2008
    damn_damsels, Feb 29, 2008
    #9
  10. reef_guru

    reef_guru Humpback Whale

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    CaOH2 is kalwasser
    whats your dKH?
     
    reef_guru, Feb 29, 2008
    reef_guru, Feb 29, 2008
    #10
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