[tomc1980]

Testing so far reads 1.025 specific gravity 8.2 ph nitrite nitrate and phosphate read 0ppm calcium is at 460 ppm ammonia is 0 ppm and alkalinity is 3 miliequivalents per liter. Tanks been up and running so far for 15 days and was wondering how well it was progressing.

[gramesy777]

sounds pretty good.... specific gravity might be a little high for some corals. I'd keep it closer 1.023

[e_baer]

Actually, the SG is perfect. In the Red Sea the SG can get as high as 1.035! ans in other areas it is around 1.020. A good medium is right around 1.025. I would keep it there.

you alkalinity is a tad on the low side...try to bring it up to 10-12.

[pogodzib]

SG of 1.025 is perfect and is where 80%+ of reef keepers try to keep their tanks.

Calcium is a tad high, but nothing to worry about. 380ppm-450ppm is ideal, but I like to keep mine near the high end.

Alkalinity should be between 2.5meq/l - 4 meq/l ( 7-11dKh) so you are on the low end of the range.

Usually, you want to try to keep the calcium and alkalinity near the same end of the recommended spectrum. Since your calcium is at the high end, I'd recommend that you raise your alk at tad to get it up to around 3.5-4 meq/l.

Otherwise, besides for the very minor adjustments that I am talking about, everything seems very good, esp. for a two week old tank. The calcium and alk levels are close to the recommended ranges, so you wouldn't have anything to worry about it affecting coral health or causing precipitation out of solution.

[tomc1980]

What should i use to raise my alkalinity up some?

[pogodzib]

There are two basic ways of raising alk without raising the calcium as well. Those are to use either baking soda (or baked baking soda) or the alk part of a two part solution. I prefer to just use unscented, Arm & Hammer baking soda or (baked baking soda/baking soda mixture) depending on my tank's pH. Note: Baking soda has a small pH lowering effect and baked baking soda has a strong pH raising effect. If you feel more comfortable using the alk part of a two part solution, use that instead. The larger the tank, the more costly it is using a 2 part solution, which is why I've always used baking soda on my tanks (current tank is 260 gal TWV).

Here is a calculator that tells you how much to add and how it will affect your pH.

Reef Chemistry Calculator

[tomc1980]

Thanx pogo ill give both options a look over and see what will be easier for me to work with.