It seems like it's time to test my water. When you can't remember the last time you tested, it's past time. So here's what I got right now, as fresh as it gets. This 135 gal reef has a very high Bio load.
Ph = 7.99 (meter reading)
Salinity = 1.026
Ammonia = .25
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 10
Magnesium = 1300
ppm Alk = ? (out of reagent)
Calcium = 400
ppm Notes: Ammonia should read zero on a maturing reef aquarium.
Ammonia is constantly being produced by the bio load in the system. This 135 gal reef carries a heavy bio load and a reading of .25 does not worry me. It does indicate a need to watch it. A perfect example of
why we test regularly.
Nitrate will be zero in a new system. As the system matures it's common to have
Nitrate accumulate. What you don't want is excess
Nitrate concentrations. Like
Ammonia and
Nitrite,
Nitrate is a toxin and needs to be controlled. The key is to find a way to reduce it to acceptable levels. An acceptable level in a
FOWLR would be 25ppm and under. A reef aquarium should be kept under 15ppm. This can be done with regular water changes and utilizing
Nitrate reduction filtration such as a
DSB. My preferred methods.
Calcium is a little low. Natural Sea Water (NSW) is 450ppm, I like to keep it 450 to 500ppm. Since I use 130ml Ocean's Blend 2 part daily and haven't added todays dose, I suspect this is a normal morning level.
Magnesium is found in
NSW at a level of 1250ppm. In reef aquariums where Magnesium is not being monitored via regular testing the level will be considerably lower. Magnesium plays an important part in the ability of the closed system to maintain an equilibrium between Calcium and Alkalinity. Regular testing and supplementing Magnesium when lower than 1250 is as important as maintaining proper Calcium levels. In fact if you have trouble maintaining 450 Calcium, test your Magnesium level. My guess is it's low. I like to maintain a Mag level between 1300 and 1400ppm.
Here's some eye candy as a reward for reading all the above.
My Crocea clams. The two on the left I bought at
IMAC in April and the one on the right I bought from the Dr. that I got the corals from in August. I love clams!
And one more treat.
My seldom seen Yellow Coral Banded Shrimp. Every one of these I've had over the years have been extremely shy. He's been in the system since May and seldom graces me with much more than a glimpse.
I hope all of you are enjoying this reef hobby as much as I have over the many years I've been involved. It's so rich and rewarding with moments of despair. But, isn't that life in general?
Dick
