What am I missing?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011.

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  1. Nightstick

    Nightstick Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Ok perhaps I am missing something, I have had my tank for almost 3yrs with some success. My one complaint is coral growth, it seems like everyone else is having growth so much more faster then me? My question is this, am I testing for all the necessary stuff what am I missing? All the below are within norm, check my signature for more specifics. Thanks for all feedback.
    Oh, by the way I dose nothing just feed the fish I guess... The tank is heavily stocked with fish and coral, fyi!

    :confused:

    Here is what I currently check:

    Temp 78-80
    Calcium 420
    Nitrate 0
    Nitrite 0
    KH 9
    Ammonia 0
    PH 8.14
    Copper 0
    Phosphate 0
    Salinity 1.025
     

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    Last edited: Jan 14, 2011
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    #1

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  2. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

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    Magnesium, calcium, and strontium are the major ones. you dont need to test for copper imo. and only test for ammonia and nitrite if things start getting out of wack, ie algae blooms and what not.
     
    SnooknRedz, Jan 14, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Jan 14, 2011
    #2
  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Please give the exact values for your parameters that will allow us to help you better. I wouldn't worry about Strontium. But definitely you will need to do Magnesium.

    What type of coral are we talking about here?
     
    2in10, Jan 14, 2011
    2in10, Jan 14, 2011
    #3
  4. FaceOfDeceit

    FaceOfDeceit Hockey Beard

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    Do you use high quality lamps in your fixture?
     
    FaceOfDeceit, Jan 14, 2011
    FaceOfDeceit, Jan 14, 2011
    #4
  5. SnooknRedz

    SnooknRedz Vlamingii Tang

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    Listen to this guy, he knows his stuff. I just got the ball rollin haha :)
     
    SnooknRedz, Jan 14, 2011
    SnooknRedz, Jan 14, 2011
    #5
  6. trijam

    trijam Coral Banded Shrimp

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    The age of your bulbs also play a big part in coral growth. How old are your bulbs? Also you don't seem to have alot of flow in a tank that size with only a K4 and a nano you might want to add another K4 or a 1400 EVO;)
     
    trijam, Jan 14, 2011
    trijam, Jan 14, 2011
    #6

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  7. Nightstick

    Nightstick Purple Spiny Lobster

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    bulbs...


    I have cut back on bulb costs, using off brand 65w actinics and 250w 20k MH, they are three months old, have been replacing every 6months or so.
     
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    #7
  8. Nightstick

    Nightstick Purple Spiny Lobster

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    flow?


    Do you really think so, I have a return pump that is going too! Perhaps I will replace the nano with another K4 I have laying around. Just didnt want to have too much flow.
     
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    #8
  9. Nightstick

    Nightstick Purple Spiny Lobster

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    updated info

    I updated my original posting, params seem good to me. As for corals I have SPS, LPS, etc...
     
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    Nightstick, Jan 14, 2011
    #9
  10. sean_p_f

    sean_p_f Sea Dragon

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    one thing that i noticed in my tank is when i switched from 20 k to 14 k my growth was greatly increased. however for this i lost the great color with 20ks and will be going back as i am ok with slow growth and great color.
     
    sean_p_f, Jan 15, 2011
    sean_p_f, Jan 15, 2011
    #10
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