Calcium/Alk for dummies...

[rsigler]

Hey Gang,

I have an established fowler tank, and I would like to get into corals. I have Aquaticlife T5 lighting and protein skimmer.

The big thing I don't understand is Calcium/Alkalinity dosing.

I've read many articles on the subject, but I still don't have a clear understanding of which procedure is easiest and best.

When keeping corals, what parameters should I be testing in addition to Calcium and Alkalinity? I know Calcium levels will not rise if Magnesium levels are too low...do you always test for Magnesium?

Also, there are many supplements available for reef tanks (such as trace elements, strontium, etc), but how do I know if I what to add if I don't test for it?

Any advice?

Thanks!!!

Rob

 

[ccCapt]

Depending on what corals you get, you may never need to dose anything. Test your calcium, alk and magnesium. They should be around 380-450 for calcium, 7-11 dKH for alk and 1250-1350 for magnesium. Don't worry about any other trace elements. They get replenished with regular water changes.
Reef Aquarium Water Parameters by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com