Levels of Calc/Alk

[rockmp]

Just curious of what everyone keeps there Calcium and Alk levels at? I get a lot of conflicting answers. THis is mainly for SPS.

[ErikH]

Alk 8
CA 440
MG 1300

That's what mine tested at last time.

[hobogato]

natural sea water is 6-8 dKh and 380 - 450 mg/L of calcium. most sps reefers i have talked with or read about try to stay there or slightly higher. stability seems more important than exact # for alkalinity within the 7 to 11 dKh range.

[hobogato]

oh yeah, glad you posted your mag #s erik - many people forget about that. that level is key in keeping calc/alk stable and at acceptable levels.

[rockmp]

Alk 8
CA 440
MG 1300

That's what mine tested at last time.
Thanks Erik


oh yeah, glad you posted your mag #s erik - many people forget about that. that level is key in keeping calc/alk stable and at acceptable levels.

That is one thing I do not test for. Looks like I need to get a Mag kit.

[hobogato]

odds are, if you are dosing two part or using reactor(s) and you are not dosing mag as well, then it is low.

[Europhyllia]

bulkreef has a 2 part that's really a 3 part

[BIGBIRD123]

Mark, the mag level of Reef Crystals salt is 1300 out of the box or bucket...I dose 2 part but don't have to dose any mag with regular water changes. I do test for it though, to keep it in check.

[ReefCube]

consistency is key. Most salts are not. Get a good salt or test your water and dose accordingly. Also test how much your tank is sucking up after a couple days and dose accordingly..

I keep my main levels at

Alk 8
CA 420
mg 1300

[swjim]

I keep my Alk right around 9.

[Salty]

Calc - 470
Alk- 11.5
Mag - 1450

[ErikH]

oh yeah, glad you posted your mag #s erik - many people forget about that. that level is key in keeping calc/alk stable and at acceptable levels.

Yeah I got that kit from seachem I believe, not sure its not in front of me.