Starting up Saltwater! Woo!
- Thread starter Haydn24
- Start date
Well... I recieved the API saltwater master test kit and the API Reef master test kit this morning...And I tested everything. Here is what I got.
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 15ppm
Calcium: 380ppm ish
kH: 9 degrees
pH: 8.0.. maybe 8.1
Phosphate: 1ppm
I think thats it.
Well as you can tell, im a bit concerned about the things in red. Although I think I have the reasons why...
I think the high nitrates is due to me freshwater dipping the largish peice of LR to get the mantis shrimp out, and also taking it outside. Im guessing this would of caused a bit of die off, and therefore higher nitrates at the end of the 'process'.
Phosphates - I got no idea? I'm running a phosphate removing pad... Seems like that isnt working, lol. My tap water came out at 0 so maybe it was the mantis shrimp waste or something? I dunno. Maybe rotting food after I fed the shrimp?
Calcium - The air is really dry here atm and therefore there is a lot of evaporation, I'm having to top up daily. My last top up, I over did it and filled it up past my water level mark to allow for evaporation. Maybe im just diluting the calcium levels because apparently RedSea salt is ment to come out at around 420-450ppm. So still a bit puzzled.
So yeah thats about it. I understand the tank isnt even nearly established so these levels will be all of the shot but I just want to do the best for it and monitor it.
I can still hear the clicking...
lol. It may be a pistol shrimp im told, which may be good or may be bad depending upon its size but i havent seen it yet so again I dont know.
Im going away on saturday for a week so when I get back it should be interesting to see the levels.
I will be doing a water change tomorrow before I go
Phew, thats a long post
Thanks for reading What do you think?
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 15ppm
Calcium: 380ppm ish
kH: 9 degrees
pH: 8.0.. maybe 8.1
Phosphate: 1ppm
I think thats it.
Well as you can tell, im a bit concerned about the things in red. Although I think I have the reasons why...
I think the high nitrates is due to me freshwater dipping the largish peice of LR to get the mantis shrimp out, and also taking it outside. Im guessing this would of caused a bit of die off, and therefore higher nitrates at the end of the 'process'.
Phosphates - I got no idea? I'm running a phosphate removing pad... Seems like that isnt working, lol. My tap water came out at 0 so maybe it was the mantis shrimp waste or something? I dunno. Maybe rotting food after I fed the shrimp?
Calcium - The air is really dry here atm and therefore there is a lot of evaporation, I'm having to top up daily. My last top up, I over did it and filled it up past my water level mark to allow for evaporation. Maybe im just diluting the calcium levels because apparently RedSea salt is ment to come out at around 420-450ppm. So still a bit puzzled.
So yeah thats about it. I understand the tank isnt even nearly established so these levels will be all of the shot but I just want to do the best for it and monitor it.
I can still hear the clicking...
lol. It may be a pistol shrimp im told, which may be good or may be bad depending upon its size but i havent seen it yet so again I dont know.Im going away on saturday for a week so when I get back it should be interesting to see the levels.
I will be doing a water change tomorrow before I go
Phew, thats a long post
Thanks for reading What do you think?
Most the concentrations listed on the salt mix is based on a SG of 1.025. Upping your SG may put your Ca at 400+. Also, some manufacturer kits work better for certain paramaters. My API Ca kit always test low compared to Salifert and Seachem Ca test.
Yes, it could be a pistol. Watching for sand piles/dunes and burrows along the rocks.
15ppm nitrates is not much for such a new tank and it could have been from the things you mentioned.
The phosphate is of concern. 1ppm is a pretty good hit. The API colors are really hard for me to tell the difference. Maybe get your LFS to run some tests for you to compare.
Someone topping off your tank while you're away or do you have an ATO?
Yes, it could be a pistol. Watching for sand piles/dunes and burrows along the rocks.
15ppm nitrates is not much for such a new tank and it could have been from the things you mentioned.
The phosphate is of concern. 1ppm is a pretty good hit. The API colors are really hard for me to tell the difference. Maybe get your LFS to run some tests for you to compare.
Someone topping off your tank while you're away or do you have an ATO?
Oh okay thanks. Its good to hear about calcium and nitrates.
Umm about the phosphates... Yeah it is kinda hard to read but it was definatley a light green (.5-1ppm) and definatley not a yellow (0ppm) so I do have some in there. I don't know why the phosphate removing pad isnt working, its only been in there 2 weeks.
No one will be topping it off but I will be covering the top as much as I can to prevent evaporation. And I will make sure the SG is a little lower (1.022 or something) so it can buffer.
I will keep an eye out for the pistol. thanks
Umm about the phosphates... Yeah it is kinda hard to read but it was definatley a light green (.5-1ppm) and definatley not a yellow (0ppm) so I do have some in there. I don't know why the phosphate removing pad isnt working, its only been in there 2 weeks.
No one will be topping it off but I will be covering the top as much as I can to prevent evaporation. And I will make sure the SG is a little lower (1.022 or something) so it can buffer.
I will keep an eye out for the pistol. thanks
Yes the macro will help with the phosphates. Good luck with your venture.
Welcome to SW. WE HAVE YOU NOW!!!! :devil:
Welcome to SW. WE HAVE YOU NOW!!!! :devil:
Hey, any new photos of the tank? I'd like to see how it's getting along now... Full tank shot?? :grinyes:
I know you do! Lol! You have my dad too, he's making me setup a FOWLR in the living room as a display
:Angel:
