The wifes tank update new pics 4/4/16

Good call!

 

Sweet adds chris. Looks similar to my bonsai. It's a fast grower

 

Thanks man, always a work in progress.

I hope the bonsai grows fast.

 

Looking good. Awesome share.

 

Over last few months my meteor shower would go white and I would do a couple 10gl WC over a couple weeks and it would start coming back and coloring up. Never have had what I would consider great growth for most corals in tank. I finally decided to bring my water to a local LFS(couple weeks ago) and low and behold my ALK test was crap and was reading 6.5 at LFS where it was 9+ at home generally.

Always had a low PH 7.8 -8.0 which so many have said not to worry about(still would like to see a 8.2 midday spike). Finally got my Apex with PH probe on system so I could properly track the PH swing and understand my dosing affects.

Since I purchased a bunch of new test kits and hanna checkers I have used a couple different products to both increase PH and ALK without overdosing. It has been a slow process.

Also my new Red Sea MAg test is putting me at 1600 and for the heck of it tested my other tank and same reading. I had dosed some mag months ago and wondering if that is still lingering. I have the Saliferts which I need to break out and and do some testing with because that always read 1350. Changing to a new batch salt so will need to check all my params in fresh batch.

SG is slightly high also.. don't know why I did not get a refractometer sooner.

I know that I have to move to a 2 part and need some dosing pumps but money is tight.

Really trying to do things the right way instead of half azz. Sick of looking at everyone's tank and wondering why mine is not as nice.

So with all that said any input would be appreciated especially form all these SPS specialists. So many sick tanks on 3Reef.

 

So I know a hobbyist that is using Seachem Marine Buffer for a similar situation. Chronic low pH and a lower alk. He reports excellent results after a couple months with a stable pH about 8.4 and a higher alk without a slow decline in Ca levels. Dosing pump. Better results than kalk.

http://www.gotpetsupplies.com/products/marine-buffer-1-kg

Your SG value reflects your elevated Mag level/lower the mag and the sg will come down. If you're fighting algae then fine but I would not leave the mag that high long term. You'll get blisters on your sps.....sounds like a Beetles tune...

If the tank were larger I would consider another product. Get yourself a dosing pump.

As for the LPS, yup that sounds like a classic LPS low alk scenario.

 

I have the Seachem Reef Buffer which is very similar. It does raise the ALK also.

http://www.seachem.com/support/forums/showthread.php?t=796

"The main difference between the two is the pK of the buffers. Reef Buffer has a slightly higher pK to make it easier for reef keepers to maintain a good pH. It is perfectly fine to use MArine Buffer in your reef tank."

pK is the equilibrium pH of a solution. That just means when the buffer is dissolved the pH it will balance out to. The pK is higher for Reef Buffers b/c organic acid production is higher in a reef system. So it is to help stabilize the pH at 8.3.

Ya I do not have a need for the MAG to run that high and shooting for 1.024 SG.

I noticed you were going to go with the two little fishes 2 part. Mike Rice I believe uses the Seachem and Steve Wright used Seachem also(at least he did at 1 time). Hard to decide what 2 part to go with.

I did mention to the wife that we are going to need dosing pumps. I am hoping to get that as soon as I free up some money. Not a cheap investment. Is anything in this hobby ha ha

 

Well you obviously do not need any guidance on water chemistry lol.

I have used Kent A/B, ESV and 2fishes all pretty consistently, those are just the products that I like.

I just re-read your response again, lol. Yeah you have it under control all by yourself..

How is your coralline algae growth?

 

Actually I am far from having things under control.. and really pretty ignorant as far as chemistry.

Ah good question.. how about I really do not see any building up at all. A little on a pump but besides that zilch
Was considering trying to increase calcium to 460??? Thoughts

I hate messing with a bunch of stuff at 1 time.

 

I would wait until you get your alk and mag where you want them, then correct or increase the Calcium.

One intervention at a time is my motto.

For the heck of it what is your salt mix? You might be able to correct the issue with water changes, since we're talking about 40 gallons of water, but like a dosing you're going to have do a maintenance routine, that is the rub.