Reef Discussion

[potatocouch]

I've been using Red Sea Salt (blue bucket) thus far only to find that their Mg is significantly low.

Tested (using Salifert) the ASW mix (SG 1.026) only to find Mg level at 1,290 ppm.

For 180L tank, I have to dose 110 ml of Red Sea Foundation C to raise it by 60 ppm to 1,350 ppm.

At this stage, I'm not comfortable in making my own mix of Mg, so I'm thinking of purchasing Red Sea Pro (black bucket) in the future.

It looks that Red Sea Pro (black bucket) has the right parameters (for me) on Mg & Ca, but Alk is way too high at 12.7 dKH.

In the real world, when you mix it at 1.026 SG, does the water really measures at 12.7 dKH? Sometimes the claim on the bucket label and the real world don't match.

Shouldn't we be aiming at 8.5 dKH for Alk?
1,350 for Mg and 450 for Ca?

I'm really anal about my #s, apology.

If you have brand of salt that you use (or method that you use perhaps) that allow you to hit that sweet spots parameters at 1.026 SG, please let me know.

 

[Lesley]

1290 mag is completly acceptable.
I run mine at 1250
I wouldn't be dosing if measuring at constant 1290 ?

 

[Wrangy]

1250ppm for Mg is the most widely accepted level but given that Mg isn't all that important, compared to alk and calcium you have a little more leeway with what it runs at as long as it's stable and around 1250ppm :)

If you're worried about parameters then have a read of this article, as it explains everything and the levels you should be running. Which is as close to NSW as possible!
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

 

[slin1977]

http://thereefuge.com/threads/the-correct-balance-of-d-kh-alkalinity-against-calcium-level.1055/

 

[Franklin Dattein]

When it comes to salt, I would worry more about Alk stability. Stick to the salt that matches the tank current's alkalinity, to avoid swings during water changes.
In a 180l (small volume) it is key to keep SPS.

 

[potatocouch]

http://thereefuge.com/threads/the-correct-balance-of-d-kh-alkalinity-against-calcium-level.1055/

This is good! I've always under the impression that magic number is 450 (Ca), 8.5 (Alk) ... i was wrong ..... Thanks!

 

[potatocouch]

1250ppm for Mg is the most widely accepted level but given that Mg isn't all that important, compared to alk and calcium you have a little more leeway with what it runs at as long as it's stable and around 1250ppm :)

If you're worried about parameters then have a read of this article, as it explains everything and the levels you should be running. Which is as close to NSW as possible!
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

Thanks Dom! I don't know where the number 1,350 that I was aiming for my magic number ...

1,250 (Mg)
8.5 (Alk)
450 (Ca)

and Stability, yes ..

Thanks @Franklin Dattein @Lesley