Two questions for the experts.........

[hlcroghan]

1. In my 29 gallon rectangle, the on-back filter empties the water into the tank but how do I know that my fish are getting enough oxygen? I have only had my LB for about 4 days now and he seems fine but I am still concerned. I don't want to find about something once it is alredy too late. I know that the oxygen exchange happens at the top of the water but you are not supposed to have bubbles in the water so I don't really have the water "breaking" the top. I just skim it across the surface, so?.......
2. My calcium is slightly low. It is around 380. My tank does not have any corals in it yet but probably will be getting some within the next two weeks and I want my tank to be completely ready. I mixed the kalkwasser per instructions and I am going to drip it into the tank. But how much do I drip? I does not give instructions for that. The instructions are to mix 1/8th of a tsp to 2 tsps of mix into a gallon of water and let it sit for several hours and then drip it slowly. I did a moderate 1 tsp. My drip is set at about 2-3 drips per second. Do I just monitor it throughout? A half gallon? Or do the whole gallon? I would like my level to be at approx. 450 for optimum coral growth. And........I also do not want my ph to go through the roof......So......
Your responses are much appreciated.

 

[hlcroghan]

Nothing huh??

 

[trouble93]

I used the drip to get my cal. levels up too about 430. a drip per second at night that way you don't have to worry about your PH do it after your lights go out. Start with a 1/2 gal. test and see where your at wait a day. if not where you would like it to be do the other 1/2.

 

[jerryatrick]

Originally Posted by hlcroghan
http:///forum/post/2970835
1. In my 29 gallon rectangle, the on-back filter empties the water into the tank but how do I know that my fish are getting enough oxygen? I have only had my LB for about 4 days now and he seems fine but I am still concerned. I don't want to find about something once it is alredy too late. I know that the oxygen exchange happens at the top of the water but you are not supposed to have bubbles in the water so I don't really have the water "breaking" the top. I just skim it across the surface, so?.......
2. My calcium is slightly low. It is around 380. My tank does not have any corals in it yet but probably will be getting some within the next two weeks and I want my tank to be completely ready. I mixed the kalkwasser per instructions and I am going to drip it into the tank. But how much do I drip? I does not give instructions for that. The instructions are to mix 1/8th of a tsp to 2 tsps of mix into a gallon of water and let it sit for several hours and then drip it slowly. I did a moderate 1 tsp. My drip is set at about 2-3 drips per second. Do I just monitor it throughout? A half gallon? Or do the whole gallon? I would like my level to be at approx. 450 for optimum coral growth. And........I also do not want my ph to go through the roof......So......
Your responses are much appreciated.

1) To break up the water up top some folks have a powerhead pointed towards the surface. This will break the water up. Does that help?
2) Your calcium is at a fine level. With weekly water changes your calcium should be stable and might even rise. I would not dose anything in your situation. If you prefer to have the calcium up over 400 you may want to consider a different brand of salt. Oceanic is well known for high calcium levels.

 

[hlcroghan]

Originally Posted by JerryAtrick
http:///forum/post/2971013
1) To break up the water up top some folks have a powerhead pointed towards the surface. This will break the water up. Does that help?
2) Your calcium is at a fine level. With weekly water changes your calcium should be stable and might even rise. I would not dose anything in your situation. If you prefer to have the calcium up over 400 you may want to consider a different brand of salt. Oceanic is well known for high calcium levels.
I only have one powerhead and I need that aimed at towards to bottom so I don't have dead spots.....any other suggestions besides buying another one for the moment?
As far as the calcium goes, I do not use salt mix. My lfs has purified sea water which is at a perfect 1.024 sg. It has dropped 20 in the last week so I think that I may need to dose a little so it does not continue to drop.
Thanks again.

 

[hlcroghan]

any other suggestions guys?

 

[hlcroghan]

okay so nobody can tell me the dosing for the calcium???? I just want to know if I mix a gallon of calcium up with 1 tsp per gallon, how much do I get in there at about 3 drops a second to raise my calcium up to 450?? Should I just try the whole gallon? a half? And btw my calcium dropped again today from 380 to 340. So I would say I definitely need it.
Thanks again!!

 

[hlcroghan]

Hmmm, no one huh? I tried doing one-half gallon today and my calcium went from 360 to 380 to I guess keep doing that huh?

 

[wattsupdoc]

Move the powerhead to the surface for better odegenation, or get another. How much flow do you currently have?
Keep doping as you are for the calcium and alkalinity. BTW what is the Alk? You need to balnce the two you know.
Your SG could be a tad higher IMO for better results. 1.025-6 is better ...IMO.