Jnesbitt Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 My 80 gallon has been set up and cycling for the last month. I have been watching pH, Ammonia, and Nitrates and it seems to be on the end of the cycle now. I did a 20% water change, and I tested for the first time yesterday Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium and things seem off. The calcium and magnesium are very high. All other test came out ok. All test kits are new Salifert brand test kits. Salinity=1.24 pH= 8.2 Temp= 80 Nitrate= 15 ppm (pre water change) Ammonia= 0 ppm Alkalinity= 8 dKH Calcium=490 ppm Magnesium=1300 ppm I was wondering if this something I should be concerned about or if it is just because there is not much in the tank using the calcium and magnesium right now. Currently there is only a small mushroom rock, 3 small colt corals, and some green star polyps (have not opened) in the tank. They were all added Friday. All advice greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rworegon Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 Those numbers don't seem out of line at all. If anything I would say the mag had some room to go higher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micah Posted September 22, 2014 Share Posted September 22, 2014 If you can maintain those numbers, you'd be pretty well off. Your alk and mag could go a little higher like Randy said, but I'd say go with what you have for now. Here's a good link for reef parameters. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jnesbitt Posted September 23, 2014 Author Share Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks of the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted September 23, 2014 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Depending on the salt you use those numbers will vary. Try and stick with one brand of salt (not implying you wouldn't, just saying one is best) I know for instance the Kent salt I use mixes up with a KH @ 8 and the Ca is 550 when I target SG of 1.025. I may be off a little on those numbers since its memory (which I lack) but my tank is consistent at; KH- 8.25 Ca- 550 Mg- 1400 SG- 1.025 as mentioned those numbers are pretty good, low in Mg if you like SPS (whistle) IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The ReefBox Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 +1 on Reefjunkie post, I like my alk around 8 and mag 1450-1500. And Brad your memory serves you right with regards to Kent salt numbers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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