SPS Tank Wanted

[ghenzler23]

I've been reefing for over two years now. I love the hobby! However, I really want to experience some success with higher end corals (mainly sps,chalices, etc.). What equipment is a necessity to have and why? How do I know that the location in my tank is good spot? I don't know why I'm not able to achieve any success (I have a skimmer and a good light). Any advice is welcomed.

 

[heuerfan]

I think water chemistry and good husbandry is most important, you don't need fancy equipment.

Have you tried some sps or chalice before?

 

[ghenzler23]

Yes, they don't seem to last very long at all. I have a test kit in the mail, I'm going to test my parameters as soon as I receive it.

 

[Mattl22]

Keep tank stable esp alk alk needs to be as steady as possible


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[oseymour]

What equipment do you have now? You say good skimmer and good light but be more specific? And what percentages are you running your lights and for how long?

What are your parameters?

 

[ghenzler23]

My parameters are:

Phosphate: 0PPM
Nitrates: 160 (almost off the charts)
Calcium: 460-480PPM
KH: 107.4-125.3 PPM

 

[ghenzler23]

I know my nitrates are way too high. Any idea a good way to lower them and keep them low?

How about my Calcium and KH?

Tank: All in one (no sump)
Lights: Radion Gen 1
Skimmer: Aquamax
Powerhead: Hydor 450
Salt: Instant Ocean
Salinity: 1.025 (about, I can get an exact measurement when I get home)
Water changes: I generally use nutri-seawater to do a five gallon water change every week - 2 weeks

I will post a pic of my system when I get home.

I really appreciate the help guys.

 

[heuerfan]

I know my nitrates are way too high. Any idea a good way to lower them and keep them low?

How about my Calcium and KH?

Tank: All in one (no sump)
Lights: Radion Gen 1
Skimmer: Aquamax
Powerhead: Hydor 450
Salt: Instant Ocean
Salinity: 1.025 (about, I can get an exact measurement when I get home)
Water changes: I generally use nutri-seawater to do a five gallon water change every week - 2 weeks

I will post a pic of my system when I get home.

I really appreciate the help guys.

What percentage are you running your radion gen 1? Seems like you have everything it takes to keep a successful reef. Perhaps you are not giving the sps time to adjust to your lighting or bleaching them with to much light?

Just throwing it out there, good luck.

 

[ghenzler23]

I've tried fooling around with my light to lower lighting. However, had no way of knowing whether or not I was successful in doing so. Judging by my parameters, I need to lower my calcium levels a little and by doing so raise my KH. I also, need to drastically lower my nitrates and keep them low, which I find hard. Any suggestions?

 

[heuerfan]

I've tried fooling around with my light to lower lighting. However, had no way of knowing whether or not I was successful in doing so. Judging by my parameters, I need to lower my calcium levels a little and by doing so raise my KH. I also, need to drastically lower my nitrates and keep them low, which I find hard. Any suggestions?

Perhaps you are making adjustments to quickly and to soon? Patience is key in this hobby...

How about posting a pic of your setup so we can see?

 

[ghenzler23]

(1) I will make water using my rodi unit, but whats wrong with nutri-seawater? Is 10 gallons a big enough change?

(4) 38 gallon

 

[heuerfan]

Didn't read how high your nitrates are. How many fish you have in this tank? Also what type of live rock is in the tank was it newly seeded or established?

I would do 100% water change if I were you, think your tank needs a reset

 

[heuerfan]

If he does a 100% waterchange he would be back to square one and possibly have a cycle

Why would he have a mini cycle?

If his rocks are established and cycled should be no problem.

In my opinion changing out bad water for fresh is always welcomed, granted ph, temp and salinity are the same.

I used to 100% water change on my nano reefs, back in the day when eveverone said nanos couldn't be done.

 

[heuerfan]

I'm not doubting your ability to keep sps, you didn't answer my question.

Everyone has different methods and this is my opinion.

He has high nitrates, what is wrong with doing a 100% water change?

 

[heuerfan]

Look man I'm just trying to help the guy with advice not have him start from scratch or tinker with his light percentage...or better yet go back and forth with you on who's advice is better..im unsubscribing from this thread so now you can help him

Lmao, it's not a competition.....

 

[ghenzler23]

Alright, so I did two water changes this week. One was around 5 gallons that was on Wednesday. After that I tested my water and my nitrates were through the roof. Yesterday I did around 10 gallons and my nitrates were through the roof still. I have coral and fish in the tank. My rock should be established. I have had this tank running since July. I'm afraid if I do 100% water change, I will entirely screw up my eco system. On top of that what would I do with my live stock? Keep them in a bucket?

 

[ghenzler23]

I went to my LFS, the owner of the store told me that if I mix in water conditioner when I do water changes he said that goes a long way to lower nitrates. Thoughts?

 

[Reef Trends]

What LFS was this? That doesnt sound right at all. Adding to remove usually doesnt work. Also did they say what 'conditioner'? Where are you getting your water from to do water changes; have you tested your water?

 

[ghenzler23]

I have an rodi unit that hooks up to my sink. Yes I have tested my water, after two water changes and my nitrates are still through the roof.

 

[ghenzler23]

So after many water changes my parameters are:

Cal. 360-380ppm
KH 107.4 ppm
Phos. 0-.25 ppm
Nitrate 40 ppm

I have a feeling my calcium is too low. I'm not sure about KH. Would a calcium reactor help with these readings?

I know my nitrates are still too high, but they have been consistently coming down with water changes. Please advise.