Low values

Hello,

Just tested water 3 days after water change (I always wait a few days)

Values:

SG: 1.024
Ph: 8.0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: 0
Ammonia: 0
dKH:7
Calcium: 420

I use an API reef master test kit + saltwater master test kit.
I've never added anything to the water other than salt.
I have a tiny bit of algae that is gradually going away.

Question is, how do I bring pH up to recommended (8.2-8.4) as well as dKH (8-12). I wouldn't mind raising calcium a bit too though that is within range given by the kit.

Thank you.

 

What to you keep in your tank?

Unless heavy in sps, you should be fine.

What is the Mag?

PS- those API tests will read 0 for phos, nitrates, and while it may indded be very low, rarely is it really 0.
But again, you should still be fine.

 

only two corals in there currently, spaghetti finger leather and zooanthids.
otherwise - fox face, regal tang, cardinals, maroon clown, hawk fish, leopard wrasse, couple starfish and multiple snails and crabs.
I don't have a test for magnesium

 

The Mag is very important, if it's off. With regular WC's, it should be good too.

HOw big is the DT?

 

It's 100 gallons, change 20% every two weeks, physically can't do it more often as water pressure is so low I can make maybe 10 gallons per day of water from ROI filter and only have a day or so available to do it in so just about manage to get the water made for the 2 week change. At least for now, planning to get a pressure booster.next month.
Any recommendations for a better test kit?

 

maybe add a Salifert Mag test kit to the others.

If things look OK, probably not a big concern.

 

Once the coral bug really bites you I'd recommend all salifert test kits. Mainly the big 3. Alk, cal, and mag. Nitrite, nitrate and ammonia I don't even bother with.

 

Agree with nitrite and ammonia - in an established tank should be always 0. But I keep an eye on NO3 as tend to drop very easily to 0.00 and this is not good for corals. My goal is to keep it at 0.5-1.0, but is not easy

 

Increase water changes while increasing salinity to 1.026. This might help in increasing some values while decreasing others.

 

The pH might come up just a bit when you raise your Alk, mine did. Also, increased aeration, via skimmer or bubble stone, will also raise pH.