raising KH

This is a good read.If you enjoy a headache. ;D

Chemistry And The Aquarium: The Relationship Between Alkalinity And pH — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

My MG is at 1170

 

Raise it to around 1275-1350 basically you want the mag. three times your desired calcium level.

 

Thanks. I thought bigger tanks where to be easier. Who knew my 10 gal nano would be easier...and that was my very first sw mixed reef.

 

Vinnies dead on as always. Once you get your tank dialed in you should find it easier than you smaller setups. Just takes time to get it dialed in. Sound like your off to a great start.

 

Great Pro advice there from Vinny! You'll find that the corals you have now will use elements up very quickly even though its a larger water volume. Once it's dialed in alk and Ca should be added and consumed in roughly equal parts.

 

Also if you get your m,c,a, numbers correct and you are still experiencing a low PH, chances are your problems are atmospheric.

 

Here's a question (or two). What causes low Mag? I know corals consume alk and calc, and probably a little bit of mag, but it seems that a lot of tanks are mag deficient.
Also, has anyone ever tried to use epsom salts for adjusting their mag?

 

Yes I have used Epsom salts,it works fine but is not good to use long term unless you are doing regular water changes.You can search 3reef calculaters and find the correct amount to use,very easy.