Alk , Mag and Ca levels

[chinatown]

I have a mixed reef. Thinking about converting it to SPS dominant. What are the ideal Alk , Mag and Ca levels to maintain?

 

[THEDLO]

tagging along.

 

[pecan2phat]

The levels that I shoot for are:
Alk: 9.0
Ca: 425
Mag: 1350

 

[chinatown]

The levels that I shoot for are:
Alk: 9.0
Ca: 425
Mag: 1350

Thanks Warren!

 

[OzoneParkGuy]

Alk: Range 7-11 depends on your tanks need
Cal: Salifert test kits state 425 in a natural environment. Range 425-480 again depends on your tanks need.
Mag Range: Salifert states 1300-1500 in natural environent. Range again depends on your tanks need.
With that.. you may also have low PH or Slightly higher PH. Depends on your tank.
Make sure your Mag levels are straight 1st before you try and raise or lower anything.
Then work on the correct dosing regimine for your tank. I find the best way to do that is by using dosing pumps. Congrats on your decision... it's alot more challenging.

 

[Boomer]

The levels Warren gave is a nice target range.

Std NSW and most reefs, although not all, are

35 ppt
410 ppm Ca++
1290 ppm Mg ++
Alk 2.25 meq / l
pH ~ 8.2

A view of ocean Salinity, where when following the Law Of Equal Proportions

1 ppt = 11.7 ppm Ca++ and 36.85 ppm Ca++

So if shooting for a Salinity of 33ppt

33 x 11.7 = 386 ppm Ca++
33 x 36.85 = 1215 ppm Ca++

 

[tosiek]

The levels are the same if you keep a softie, mixed, SPS or a mix of any of those. The only thing that changes is the importance of keeping each at those levels. Just a FYI.

 

[pecan2phat]

Nice chart Boomer

 

[DrHarryLopez]

+1 OzoneParkGuy

As well as;
Stability is the key inside the normal range. Crazy fluctuations are what stresses your reef, including flucts in pH, Temp, Salinity.

 

[Boomer]

Just a note. A Coal reefs pH can fluctuate as much as 0.25 pH units in 24 hrs and temp 2 C in 24 hrs. Salinty is much more seasonal. However, coral reefs are not reef tanks and stability is a better working theory.