Hello,
I am hoping someone can give me some advice about my calcium situation.
My tank have been up for about two months (12 gallons), but honestly, it feels like it has been a year. Anyway, the tank will be a soft coral dominated tank with a couple of LPS. No SPS foreseeable. I have no fish.
Current stock:
My magnesium is 1350, I have only tested for this one time, today. My alk usually runs around 11, but it can vary between 10-12. I think this is because I have been in the process of switching salts (much happier with new salt), but not sure. Today, the alk was 10. My calcium is always low. It has been a steady 320 since I started my tank, however, since I recently switched salts and have done large water changes, it is now between 340 & 360 (I think is it at 350).
My questions:
1) Before I decide/do anything, should I wait to test the magnesium again, after this weekend's cleaning and water change?
2) Should I continue do large water changes to bring the calcium up (is that reasonable)? Or should I begin to consider dosing?
I have been reading about the relationship between calcium, alk, and magnesium since I saw my calcium was so low. I have also been reading about solutions. My hope is that I will not have to begin dosing, but I will if it is necessary.
Thanks!
I am hoping someone can give me some advice about my calcium situation.
My tank have been up for about two months (12 gallons), but honestly, it feels like it has been a year. Anyway, the tank will be a soft coral dominated tank with a couple of LPS. No SPS foreseeable. I have no fish.
Current stock:
- pulsing xenia (very small colony)
- gsp (very small colony)
- zoa frags (1, soon to be 2)
- platygyra frag
- mushroom frag
My magnesium is 1350, I have only tested for this one time, today. My alk usually runs around 11, but it can vary between 10-12. I think this is because I have been in the process of switching salts (much happier with new salt), but not sure. Today, the alk was 10. My calcium is always low. It has been a steady 320 since I started my tank, however, since I recently switched salts and have done large water changes, it is now between 340 & 360 (I think is it at 350).
My questions:
1) Before I decide/do anything, should I wait to test the magnesium again, after this weekend's cleaning and water change?
2) Should I continue do large water changes to bring the calcium up (is that reasonable)? Or should I begin to consider dosing?
I have been reading about the relationship between calcium, alk, and magnesium since I saw my calcium was so low. I have also been reading about solutions. My hope is that I will not have to begin dosing, but I will if it is necessary.
Thanks!