Time for a change?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by twobjustme, Dec 4, 2009.

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  1. twobjustme

    twobjustme Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2009
    Messages:
    75
    Location:
    Roanoke, VA
    I have a 46 gal. bow with 2 clowns, 6 snails, 5 hermits and a strong, but mild case of green hair algae. My parameters have been holding the same for 2 weeks now with the exception of a small increase in ammonia.
    My params are:

    SAL - .026
    Ca - 350
    NO2 - 0
    NO3 - 0
    pH - 8.0
    ALK - 3.0
    PO4 - 0
    NH3 - .25
    TEMP -79-80


    I added PRIME to the tank last week, then today added Chemi-pure Elite to my HOB filter. My tank is only a month old, and I'm getting some skim mate, but not alot. So I'm wondering about a 5 to 10% water change yet. The ammonia is not so high, but the algae is definitely on the move. Is the water change a good idea or not?
     
    twobjustme, Dec 4, 2009
    twobjustme, Dec 4, 2009
    #1

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  2. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

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    Location:
    SE Kansas
    What skimmer are you running?

    Are you using RO/DI?
     
    jonjonwells, Dec 4, 2009
    jonjonwells, Dec 4, 2009
    #2
  3. twobjustme

    twobjustme Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2009
    Messages:
    75
    Location:
    Roanoke, VA
    I have a CPR Bak-pak HOB skimmer. I use both waters as needed.
     
    twobjustme, Dec 4, 2009
    twobjustme, Dec 4, 2009
    #3
  4. jonjonwells

    jonjonwells Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
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    2,835
    Location:
    SE Kansas
    I see no reason to do a water change. You have no corals yet, so the levels that are off, will not hurt anything.

    That being said, a water change would help to get your levels correct.

    At 1.026 salinity, your calcium should be around 460.
    Alk in the 7 to 12 range
    Your Ph is spot on

    Also, what salt mix are you using?
     
    jonjonwells, Dec 4, 2009
    jonjonwells, Dec 4, 2009
    #4