Water Parameters

well I did a check on my parameters today as I am having a cyano outbreak.
I don't see anything out of the ordinary but what do ya'll think?
pH- 8
nitrates- 5ppm
phosphates 0
Ca 350 ppm
Mag 1400-1500
kh 8-8.5

 

Boost pH to 8.2 if possible and calc to 420. Increase your flow in the tank.

 

I have HOB refuium, HOB protein skimmer rate for 150 gallon tank and mine is only 55 gallon, 1 Koralia 2 and 1 Koralia 3.
don't think I can get much more flow and the fish be comfortable.

 

flow?
the parameters you posted the calc is a bit on the low side IMO ,but not critical - dont raise it quickly
the Mag - what test kit you using as I use Tropic Marin test for this and Calc and can get an exact figure

but IME water movement makes a big difference to the amount if any cyno I get in my reef tank


Steve

 

Meagan

are your 2 K wave makers in the upper 3rd and most of your flow is moving the upper water layers

and the cyno is on the sand bed or lower level in general?

Steve

 

1 is in the back right of the tank and one is in the upper left corner pointing towards teh front.
the cyano is all over the rocks and sand

 

I use Salifert Mag test. I kind of squirted the liquid in too fast and didn't get an exact reading but I think tis closer to 1450

 

I would try and raise Ca and Alk and I'd listen to Steve Wright... he knows infinitely more than I. Still, in my reading and limited experience your parameters aren't the root of your cyno problem. I'd look at the directionality of your flow and make sure their aren't any dead spots.

M

 

that is not something you really need to worry about.

flow isn't just turn over though. it's also in placement so the water currents are erratic and reach all areas of the tank...

if you have cyano, and your tank isn't pretty new (is it?), then it's a matter of flow most of the time.

 

no its not new, its almost a year old
i will try to work with the flow.
im just afraid of throwing my mandarins around. they like to stay near the bottom and I can see them struggling against the current when i place it rea low.