Water Params

I've had my tank up for almost 2 months now and just got a test kit (been using the LFS).

Temp: 79
pH: 8.3
NO3: 0
PO4: 0.5
Ca: 480
dKH: 11
Mg: 1100
SG: 1.023

What do you think about those? I think I still have a bit of tweaking to do with the levels...slowly of course. Any suggestions?

Its a 20g nano listed in my signature.

I've used Seachem Ca and dKH additives to get to the levels I'm at. Initially I didn't realize my Mg was so low, so I got "Ions" Mg and dosed. That brought my Ca way up.

Not sure what to do from here.

All the corals appear very happy, and the two torches and the candy cane a splitting....

 

tripnbili

is this going to be a reef set up?

if so
SG a tad low IMO 1.25 is my target
mag also seems low (check test kit) based on 480 calc and 11 DKH ( 1500 mag would be about right if the other numbers are corect)
P04 - thats to high and you need to work towards 0 there or you will have all manner of algae issues later on ( if you have a sump , introduce a reactor with GFO )
if you dont , then GFO in mesh pouch in cannister will also work (not as effectively but it will work)

Just my opinion
Steve

 

Ok, just tested again after adjusting doses and lower feedings...

Temp: 78
pH: 8.1
NO3: 0
PO3: 0
Ca: 460
dKH: 9
Mg: 1100
SG: 1.024


I think those numbers are getting better. As far as SG goes...the only access to RO water I have is from my LFS, and they run their water at 1.021. I've let the SG in my tank creep up to where it's at over about a 2-3 week period.

And yes, it is a reef tank all the corals look happy up to this point.

And today I switched out my actinic bulb which was way overdue...

 

Do those look better?

 

they do look better tripnbili

I think you mean PO4 - zero?

the mag is still a tad low balanced would be just over 3 x your calcium so 1380
would be a good target with your calc at 480

Steve

 

Yeah I meant PO4 and I got the Ca down to 400 and Mg at 1180 now;D