Reef tank questions...

[kyabk]

Hello all! I just got done starting a 90gal reef tank and I have a few questions. Thanks in advance.

First, I have had the tank setup for about 2 months now and I was wondering when I should do my first water change and how often. I have read a lot of different things about when to but I thought I would ask the experienced folks on reefs.org. Also should I only do 1/3 of the water or less?

Second, what is the best way to measure the calciam and alkalinity in my tank? Lots of products on the market and very $$$ at that. What is the best? I add calcium and alk everyday but not on the same day. It was recommended to me.

Third, I have been told that I can use a sand bed as a nitrate spunge. Any truth to that? I was thinking about setting up a 10 gal container next to my sump and have water pass through it. Sound like a good idea?

 

[Midland]

a two month old cycled tank is plenty ready for water changes... on the tanks i maintain, i do 5-10% a week. everyone has a different schedule though... you'll have to find what works best for you. you don't need to add calcium and alk supplements to an unstocked tank... there's nothing to deplete those items yet (coralline, but that's not much of a draw at this point in your tanks life probably). also, adding these too early with no demand will make your sandbed into a cement block a deep sand bed is a GREAT way to keep nitrates low or non-existant. hope that helps and have fun!

 

[Anonymous]

Once the tank is cycled and settled its probably a good idea to change a substantial amount of the water, before adding much in the way of livestock. Once it a functional reef, 1/3 or less changes are good because its less disruptive to the parameters in general.

For the measuring, I just use regular test kits- offhand I forget what brands I use, maybe someone else will have an opinion...

Third, I have been told that I can use a sand bed as a nitrate spunge. Any truth to that? I was thinking about setting up a 10 gal container next to my sump and have water pass through it. Sound like a good idea?

In reef terms, saying something is a "nitrate sponge" is generally not a good thing. If you will do a search here for DSB or "deep sand beds" you will find a lot of debate, but many people (myself included) use them with good results.

Nothing wrong with having it in a remote location, I have a much deeper bed in my sump than in the main tank.