Trace Elements? Lighting? Please Help...?

Thanks sos, ul and 10in2 ....k+ and helpful as always! I will definately upgrade the lighting ...Ive been looking to do so but have been challenged to find a 4 bulb HO t5 fixture for a 30" wide tank. I prefer to not hang a fixture from the ceiling.

 

Personally, I'd work on the salinity first- that may very well correct the alk for you. However, that's something you want to do VERY SLOWLY! I'd recommend that you start changing 10% weekly; make your replacement water 1.023 until the tank reaches 1.023; Then if everything looks OK, move on to 1.024 and repeat the process. You'll also want to trickle the new water into the tank.

 

Thanks GH. All of the LFSs in my area get h2o from the ocean. Our local Atlantic waters measure 1024 to 1025 (as per my refractometer), but my LFS triple filters it. I could DIY my h2o ....maybe Ill use one of my spare tanks to become familiar with the process and measurements. What is the best salt mix to use?

 

Now there is a loaded question lol. I use Red Sea Coral Pro salt thats just my preference, I like it because it contains a bit higher ca than most and is specifically made for use with RO water.

 

Ahhh, many opinions about salt brands eh?

 

instant ocean, it's cheap and you have the additives to buffer the slightly lower calc.

 

To raise salinity I just replace evaporated water with salt water until I get where I want
I use the IO Reef Crystal's a 200g box is like 50 bucks oline

 

+1 to both points. I also use (and have been for about a decade) Reef Crystals and have no complaints.

 

Absolutely! LOL

Crystal Sea Bioassay Laboratory Formula- The only one used in labs.

BTW, someone posted a link to a recent lab comparison test, just yesterday, IIRC, here on 3Reef. You might want to look that up. Any brand with enhanced Ca and low ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate levels will work.

Cheers

 

+1-- Of course that would work, as well. Not too sure about using both methods together, though. You definitely want to go slow when raising it that high.

Cheers