Aquavitro products: Thoughts on balance and 8.4

[PrettyFishies]

I need to fix my PH problem and nothing I've tried has worked yet. My guess is that it's related to calcium and MG because I do not dose them.

My plan is to start with balance and 8.4 then add MG and see where I land.

Ideas or experience?

 

[jeffaquarius]

You need to post your parameter readings before anyone can make a suggestion.

 

[Sniperhank]

If you don't dose those parameters...what do you dose and why? It takes one heck of a SPS heavy tank to even require dosing to begin with. Weekly water changes are enough to support corals.

 

[jeffaquarius]

Regular pwc is the simplest way to maintain the level of those elements you are concerned with. You really have to know what you're doing when you start dosing. These Mag, Alk and Calc affect each other. The pH don't even have to be at 8.4 to attain a good balance. As long as Calc is at acceptable level and as long as Alk is not lower than 8 dkh I would leave it alone if pH is between 8.0 to 8.4. I use 1/2 teaspoon of pure baking soda per gallon on RO/DI in my ATO to maintain a stable alkalinity of 9 dkh on my 60 gal tank. A weekly pwc will replenish the depleting calcium.

 

[PrettyFishies]

Amm, Nitr 0
Nit 7-10ppm
Ca 340
Mg 1040
Kh 7
PH - 7.7 my meter, 8.4 at LFS w/ API (AFTER adding balance 3 hrs prior)

I'm going to re calibrate the PH Meter to start.

 

[jeffaquarius]

How much and how often do you do your pwc?

 

[PrettyFishies]

Weekly, 20g/~145g total volume

 

[jeffaquarius]

I would do large power changes until those 3 elements are close to acceptable level. If you need to dose later on, make sure your mag is at the right level first (between 1250 to 1320) then you can raise your alk before dosing calc. I just maintain my alk with baking soda to stabilize my pH and never have to dose calcium since the pwc will take care of it. More water surface agitation is the way to raise pH.

 

[Fozzy225]

Funny I just posted about this I ran a hose from skimmer outside it put me at 8.4 when I was at 7.8

 

[PrettyFishies]

I have concluded its a bad monitor probe and I ordered a pinpoint monitor to replace the Milwaukee setup.

I think my PH is actually fine based on both my and the LFS's API test results. I just didn't think to question the monitor.

I'm working on calc and MG, keeping an eye on Nitrate and phosphate. I guess I'm close to being able to add LPS since my nitrates are low. Ideally, I get them below 5 or 0. I have matrix rock in the setup but feel like it's not fully matured yet. I'll just keep up with the PWC and maybe get a more sensitive Nitrate test kit - recommendations?

Also, the LFS suggested I switch salt to Tropic Marin Pro because it contains enough calc and MG to not have to dose as often as my IO reef salt. Any experience with this brand?

 

[mr_X]

If you need to dose, use Bulk Reef Supply. Their stuff is much cheaper and is the same thing.

 

[PrettyFishies]

OK. So, I ponied up and replaced my PH monitor with a AM pinpoint model. Now I can see my PH was 8.25 last night and 7.99 this morning.

My current parameters are:

SG 1.025
PH ?
KH 7
Ca 420
MG - estimate 1150-1200 based on last test

I have the Aquavitro products and have been using 8.4 and Balance to increase PH which worked last night but the drop overnight concerns me. The tank is not stable.

What's the best way to attack this and then maintain? (Knowing I need to get MG up)

 

[mr_X]

Everyone's ph changes from night to day. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[PrettyFishies]

Yeah, I get that but I'm still having an issue getting it up and staying up when the lights are on. How much of a factor is MG in keeping PH up?

 

[mr_X]

I believe magnesium effects PH because it effects calcium.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-06/rhf/
(about half way down the page)

 

[PrettyFishies]

It's like you have to be a chemist lol I just want to find a solution that's not so time consuming I won't keep up. I need to test MG today and see where I'm at. I guess step one is to get MG where it's supposed to be?

 

[mr_X]

I say, put the test kit away, continue with weekly water changes, and enjoy your tank. I haven't checked my parameters in years...lol.

 

[PrettyFishies]

Are you using IO reef crystals?

Also, what's in your tank? I want to be heavy LPS and moderate SPS

 

[mr_X]

Right now I have mostly sps, but I have about 6 pieces of lps and a leather. I use whatever salt is available. Currently, I'm using Oceanic.

 

[PrettyFishies]

Please tell me more about your setup. What equipment/reactors? Maybe I'm missing something.