Page 1 of 2
How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 6:36 pm
by rivetax
My tank's been all over the place lately, params keep swinging. Got a 40-gallon with Zoanthids, a couple Acros, and a Torch. Running a Reef Octopus skimmer, dosing two-part but still getting alk swings. What's the move to keep things steady?
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 7:53 pm
by burrow
First, how often are you testing? Alk swings can happen if you're not testing daily when dosing. Also, check your magnesium levels, they should be around 1350 ppm to stabilize alk and calcium. What's your current salt mix?
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 9:18 pm
by Tealux
rivetax wrote: ↑Sat Aug 30, 2025 6:36 pm
My tank's been all over the place lately, params keep swinging. Got a 40-gallon with Zoanthids, a couple Acros, and a Torch. Running a Reef Octopus skimmer, dosing two-part but still getting alk swings. What's the move to keep things steady?
Are you using a dosing pump or manual dosing? Consistency is key with two-part. Also, what's your water change schedule like?
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 10:03 pm
by flair9
I had the same issue until I switched to a calcium reactor. It's pricey but worth it if you're serious about stability. Also, make sure your salinity isn't drifting. ATO with a good quality salt mix helps a ton.
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2025 11:28 pm
by Ideal
What's your lighting schedule? Too much light can stress corals and mess with your params indirectly. I run my Radions for 8 hours max, with a gradual ramp up and down.
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 1:18 am
by Savira
burrow wrote: ↑Sat Aug 30, 2025 7:53 pm
First, how often are you testing? Alk swings can happen if you're not testing daily when dosing. Also, check your magnesium levels, they should be around 1350 ppm to stabilize alk and calcium. What's your current salt mix?
Agreed on the magnesium. I'd also suggest checking your dosing pumps for consistency. Sometimes they can get clogged or drift over time.
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 2:23 am
by airtys
My tank was a mess until I started using a controller. Now I get alerts if anything's off. Maybe look into a Neptune or GHL system if you're serious about stability.
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 3:02 am
by raynigma
How old is your tank? Newer systems tend to swing more. It might just need time to mature. Also, are you using any additives besides the two-part?
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 6:07 am
by Timbera
I've had luck with kalkwasser in my ATO. It's a cheap way to keep things steady, but you gotta monitor pH closely. What's your pH looking like?
Re: How to stabilize coral tank parameters
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 7:24 am
by Falconer9
Sounds like you're doing a lot right. Maybe just tweak one thing at a time so you don't throw everything off. Start with testing more often, like burrow said.