Water Changes

[readingbabelfish]

Hello,

I have recently introduced some beginner corals to my 75g fowl tank. I put in some zoos and an acan about 2 weeks ago. All is well so far. I have been trying to raise my calcium level for about the same time. My salinity was originally around 1.023 with calcium at 340 ppm. I would like to raise the level to about 420 or so. The water I started the tank with was originally made with instant ocean and a lower salinity. I have made up a new batch of saltwater with reef crystals and a salinity of around 1.025 and calcium level at 430. I have been doing weekly water changes of about 5 gallons for two weeks with this new water and it has raised my calcium slightly. Previous to doing these water changes I have used Kent Marine Tech Part A and B. The alkilinty levels are about 11 Dek, or whatever that unit is. I guess my question is how often can I change out the water to replace the older lower salinity and calcium levels with the new higher salinity and calcium level water? I would like to keep it about 5 gallons at a time. Thank you all for any input!

[twisted]

im not an expert by any means so double check my advice. i believe if you were to get b-ionic 2 part calcium and add as directed you will find your calcium slowly rising and your alk dropping a little. be sure to check and balance your mg also. this plays an important role in the balance of the 3. there is a good sticky on alk/mg/cal relationship. i have brought my sal. from .023 to .025 over 2 weeks and didnt see any issue. i think the important part is just gradual and not fast. there is a good sticky on that too....good luck

[Doodaa]

Go slow is the correct answer.

The alk/ca level adjustments with Tech A/B can and should be done regardless of your salinity levels. Add the recommended dosage every day until you bring the levels up.

To raise your salinity, you have a few options. What do you do for water top offs to replace evaporation? A great way to raise salinity is to replace what evaporates with salt water instead of RO/DI water. This will make it go up slow enough that your inhabitants won't even notice.

Another way to raise salinity is to do your 5 gallon water change, but mix your replacement water at a higher level than what you want your goal to be...say 1.027 or maybe higher. You just don't want to change the salinity too fast at one time or your livestock will go into osmotic shock and possibly croak.

[Steve McKay]

I would keep doing your water changes to raise your salinity,that will be slow enough not to shock anything.1.025 is fine,I wouldn't go over 1.026.If your going to have corals you should monitor and add Ca,Alk and Mg.A two part kit is the way to go it gives you Ca and Alk,it also gives you Mg so really it's three parts.When considering a two part kit you must choose recipe one for PH under 8.4 or recipe two for PH over 8.4.I went with the large kit,from Bulk Reef Supply.They also have reef calculator for the proper dosing.Here's a link to it.Two Part Calcium and Alkalinity Total Package (Large) - English

[Doodaa]

I would keep doing your water changes to raise your salinity,that will be slow enough not to shock anything.1.025 is fine,I wouldn't go over 1.026.

I was referring to his makeup water, not his tank salinity levels. He has to replace what he removes with higher salinity than what he wants to raise what is in his tank.

The best way, which would be the slowest way, is to replace evaporated water with 1.025 or 1.026 water or even 1.027 every day.

For 5 gallon changes, he's going to have to mix up stronger water than 1.026 to get his tank levels up to that level...or it will take years to get there...I could do the math, but I don't wanna

1.023 is not going to hurt anything. Natural sea water is generally accepted as averaged out to 35 ppt which converts to 1.026.

[Steve McKay]

I was referring to his makeup water, not his tank salinity levels. He has to replace what he removes with higher salinity than what he wants to raise what is in his tank.

The best way, which would be the slowest way, is to replace evaporated water with 1.025 or 1.026 water or even 1.027 every day.

For 5 gallon changes, he's going to have to mix up stronger water than 1.026 to get his tank levels up to that level...or it will take years to get there...I could do the math, but I don't wanna

1.023 is not going to hurt anything. Natural sea water is generally accepted as averaged out to 35 ppt which converts to 1.026.

I wasn't trying to correct you and at 5g per week it shouldn't take that long.(no math either)According to Wikipedia:"The average density of seawater at the ocean surface is 1.025" not to be argumentative.1.023 is ok but when you buy corals they will be from a higher salinity level 1.025 or 1.026 so there will be less shock if that salinity is nearer to that level.Also your Mg level is associated with your salinity level so the higher the better.Mg keeps your PH up and helps to control PH swings.

[Steve McKay]

I was referring to his makeup water, not his tank salinity levels.

I was talking about his tank salinity.

[Doodaa]

I wasn't trying to correct you and at 5g per week it shouldn't take that long.(no math either)According to Wikipedia:"The average density of seawater at the ocean surface is 1.025" not to be argumentative.1.023 is ok but when you buy corals they will be from a higher salinity level 1.025 or 1.026 so there will be less shock if that salinity is nearer to that level.Also your Mg level is associated with your salinity level so the higher the better.Mg keeps your PH up and helps to control PH swings.

I think we are trying to say the same thing, just in different ways. We'll have to wait and see if readingbabelfish understands either one of us. The main point is to raise it slowly...same for acclimating new livestock to your tank.

[Steve McKay]

I think we are trying to say the same thing, just in different ways. We'll have to wait and see if readingbabelfish understands either one of us. The main point is to raise it slowly...same for acclimating new livestock to your tank.

Yep!