| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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02-20-2006, 05:43 PM
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#1
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REEFLVR
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,081
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Water Test Question
I have my aquarium set up with LR, and have been testing for Amonia, pH, Nitrite, and Nitrates. This morning I tested again and got
Amonia----0
pH-------8.1
Nitrites---0
Nitrates---20
I am planning on doing another W/C in the morning. I was wondering what test I should do, and when should I start doing them.
I only have four hermits, and 8 turbo's right now. I will be adding some fish, shrimp, and softies in the future. I don't intend on adding hard or stoney corals.
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__________________
150 Gal tank,sump, DIY Skimmer, LR,LS
Coral beauty, Clown fish, 3 pajama cardinals
1 b/g chromis, YWG, cleaner shrimp
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02-20-2006, 05:47 PM
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#2
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Milkshake Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 9,641
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Ca, Alk, i test for phos some say its not needed then what you have been testing for.
Tim
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02-20-2006, 06:05 PM
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#3
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I loves me a water change
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: WI
Posts: 7,759
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Looks good, Booboo.
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Chris
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02-20-2006, 07:57 PM
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#4
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REEFLVR
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,081
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It is a work of love. I love to work on it. LOL!!!!!!!
__________________
150 Gal tank,sump, DIY Skimmer, LR,LS
Coral beauty, Clown fish, 3 pajama cardinals
1 b/g chromis, YWG, cleaner shrimp
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02-20-2006, 08:03 PM
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#5
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REEFLVR
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,081
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I didn't know I needed to test for Ca, Alk,and phosphates if I wasn't putting them in. At least the Calcium. All I'm adding to the water is IO. I know the phosphates just happen in there. Can you explain this to me?
Thanks,
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150 Gal tank,sump, DIY Skimmer, LR,LS
Coral beauty, Clown fish, 3 pajama cardinals
1 b/g chromis, YWG, cleaner shrimp
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02-20-2006, 08:23 PM
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#6
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Milkshake Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 9,641
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You should test for them (Ca, Alk) to make sure your WC's are going to be enough for your tank. The phosphates are in frozen foods so proper thawing of these foods will help reduce the ammont in your tank.
Tim
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02-20-2006, 08:55 PM
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#7
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Shark
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 4,889
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I have also seen/heard it's best to test for phosphates before the light cycle so some of it doesn't get taken up by algae...if I'm saying this correct. That way you have an accurate reading.
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Nano reef in the works
TIM MADE ME DO IT, Yet Robert made him do it, yet Casey made him do it!
Yet the voices in all their heads made them do it (skeety)
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02-20-2006, 10:11 PM
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#8
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Southern Oregon, Way West of Dimples ;)
Posts: 22,098
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you will get a lot of phosphate from decay in curing live rock, which can feed algae blooms which is why the trend to "cooking" rock is gaining momentum.
A lot of people are tired of dealing with algae blooms from the tanks that they didnt have patience with and got in a hurry
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When considering courage in battle, one should remember that there are 2 sides to every conflict.
The heroism of the losing side rarely gets remembered
but we were all husbands and fathers, sons and bros
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02-20-2006, 10:56 PM
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#9
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REEFLVR
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 1,081
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So that is why doing a W/C helps? When I do a W/C
I siphon out the junk on the sand. I use the RO/DI water and it lowers the phosphates. I have'nt started feeding anything in the tank yet.
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150 Gal tank,sump, DIY Skimmer, LR,LS
Coral beauty, Clown fish, 3 pajama cardinals
1 b/g chromis, YWG, cleaner shrimp
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