Tank parameters

[bertcmg]

I just bought a complete test kit ( only had ammo , nitrite etc )

Anyway here are my tank readings

Ammo: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10
ALK: 7 ( I am told that this needs to be at 10-11 )
Calc: 350 As of yesterday , I want to bring it up to 450
PH: 8.3

My question is :

what is the most hassle free way of keeping a reef ? I want to minimize dropping liquids or daily doses of stuff ( I have $1000 - 1200 to spend on this set-up )

Brands and models would be much appreciated

[Michael_Lambert]

The most hassle way would be to have the correct Biological Filtration, 1.5 pounds of rock Per gallon of total water volume and a DSB (4-6 inches), Then ensure you setup a maintenance schedule and stick to it! ,

-Weekly or larger bi weekly water changes
- Clean up crew ( some say 1 snail per gallon of water) i think thats alittle much but i like about 50 of them in a 120G, with 2 Serpent starts.
-And for not adding or dosing Add a Calcium reactor the only way you are going to get away with not dosing something into a reef tank.


And I'm sure others will add on!

[bertcmg]

Tooload,


So is it sfa for me to say that If I do get a great Ca reactor I won;t have to worry about Ca and ALKalinty ?

I am still having a hard time understanding what drives the alkalinity up and down

I use a PH buffer that sets my PH to 8.3 ( seachem) Is this the correct way to control PH ?

Also Iodine seems to be a subject of much debate , I have seen my friend add some and within hours his xenia seems to be doing 100% better

What other parameters should I worry about



Thanks in advance

[ajx22]

Originally posted by bertcmg
Tooload,


So is it sfa for me to say that If I do get a great Ca reactor I won;t have to worry about Ca and ALKalinty ?

I am still having a hard time understanding what drives the alkalinity up and down

I use a PH buffer that sets my PH to 8.3 ( seachem) Is this the correct way to control PH ?

Also Iodine seems to be a subject of much debate , I have seen my friend add some and within hours his xenia seems to be doing 100% better

What other parameters should I worry about



Thanks in advance

Adding a Ca Reactor will remove your need to worry about your Ca & Alk as it will keep both in check for you (once adjusted correctly).

You really shouldn't have to buffer your pH once you have a fully cycled tank. If you are having to buffer it...there is an underlying problem(s) somehwhere.

Iodine has been proven (published reports) NOT to contribute to any positives in your tank. Many people said that shrimp and other inverts needed it to molt...not so. If you are doing water changes...you are already adding more iodine then you need to your tank.

[VolitanVixen]

i don't dose iodine, but i do add calcium to my nano (not really big enough to spend tons on a CA reactor for it LOL) ... and my camel shrimp molted the day after i put it in ... scared the crap outta me since i woke up to an empty shell and no camel shrimp in sight (thought it died and the fish finised it off) ... luckily for me, it appeared a few hours later from under a rocky ledge LOL