New Red Sea Max 250

[JBuchanan]

I am new to this but as everyone knows it is a must to do all of the research before getting into this hobby. After reading several books I decided to get the Rsm 250. It has been up and running for 3 months now. I have 100lbs of live rock and 80lbs of sand, two peppermint shrimp and two clowns. I have a great clean up crew and my tank is factory except the chiller that I added and the chemipure. I have a ro/di unit that I use to mix my own water. The problem that I have is after 3 months I still don't have great water quality. Ammonia: .1
Nitrite: .1
Nitrate: 25ppm
Ph: 8.3
I have some green and brown alage but not much as I only run my lights 6 hrs a day. I do a 10% water change once a week and i feed the fish sparingly. I want to get some corals but don't feel as if the tank is ready yet. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[kurtyboh]

How often do you do a partial water change? Was it a new tank when you got it? (old lights can lead to some probs) have you tested your kit against another(lfs)? And finally, have you tested your ro/di water to make sure thats pure?

Nm i see the 10%pwc weekly the others are still valid questions though

 

[kurtyboh]

Oh yeah and how much liverock so you have?

 

[JBuchanan]

I haven't tested my ro water. And I have used the same test kit since I started the tank is new and it came with the test kit. Any advice on a good dependable test kit?

 

[hackteck]

api and salifert make good test kits api is cheaper but salifert is more expensive but a little more sensitive

 

[kurtyboh]

Before buying another have your lfs test it and see how it compares if theres a difference then spend themoneyona new kit.

 

[JBuchanan]

Before buying another have your lfs test it and see how it compares if theres a difference then spend themoneyona new kit.

K thanks for all of the help. Anyone know a good replacement skimmer for the red sea max 250?

 

[JBuchanan]

Thanks for the advice I got a new test kit...API, and my water is in excellent condition. Thanks for all of the help.

 

[the_fish_man]

Make a build thread!!!

 

[Greenmaster]

This is a build thread...

 

[kurtyboh]

Im glad to hear you water issues are done. Dont worry though thee will be more challenges to come!