I want to preface this post by saying maintaining consistent parameters in your aquarium is probably the most important thing you can and should strive for. It is the one thing that we as aquarists have complete control over. If your water chemistry is not stable then adjustments need to be made on your part. The ocean is one of the most stable environments (chemistry wise) on earth and it is up to us to provide as stable of conditions as possible for our sea creatures.
The most important parameters for us to maintain when caring for corals is the trinity (alkalinity, calcium, magnesium). Keeping these parameters at suggested levels and maintaining them at those levels is very important. It is also important to keep these levels consistent with as little fluctuation as possible. Alkalinity swings should be avoided at all costs (especially when caring for SPS). Calcium & magnesium can swing more so than alkalinity but should still be maintained consistent if at all possible. If there are issues with alkalinity in your system remember one thing, corals typically handle swings down better than swings up. So if your alkalinity is falling, bring it back up slowly.
One thing I see a lot of people saying is "I use water changes to maintain my levels". If there is one thing you take away from this post let it be this: There is not a salt in the world which will maintain levels in a thriving reef. This statement is not entirely true if you plan on doing huge daily water changes! The average growing reef consumes 1-3 points of alkalinity a DAY. Now your reef may not consume that much yet either because you don't have enough coral, its newer or other water chemistry is not allowing the growth to happen. My point is, don't depend on your salt alone to maintain your levels.
Dont believe me? Lets do the math. Lets say your reef is newer and your consumption is only 1/4 point per day. Now lets say you like to maintain your alkalinity at 9dKH. Now lets say your fancy salt mix has a alkalinity at 11 after mixing. Your a good reefer and do 20% water changes religiously on Saturday. Last Saturday your dKH was at 9 but the tank consumed 1/4 point per day so the this Saturday your dKH will be 7.25. That 20% water change will only bring up your alkalinity to 8 if my math is correct. You would have to almost do a 40% water change to bring your alkalinity back up to 9 in this scenario.
Remember, stability is key. Sure you could probably get by doing water changes to maintain your reef but as your tank grows so does its demands. Its better to get a regimen going now then to wait for problems to arise.
More info on water changes and their effects here:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php
For info on what levels to maintain:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php
There are many ways to maintain levels. I personally use kalkwasser via a peristaltic pump and reactor. You can also use 2 part, calcium reactor, etc. Whatever you decide, don't use salt alone to maintain levels, eventually your aquarium will outrun itself. Also get into the habit of maintaining these levels consistently throughout the day by automated means or at least daily by hand. Don't wait a week to dose to bring levels back up. Slow and steady wins the race in this hobby and avoid huge changes at once. We owe it to our inhabitants to provide the best possible conditions.
The most important parameters for us to maintain when caring for corals is the trinity (alkalinity, calcium, magnesium). Keeping these parameters at suggested levels and maintaining them at those levels is very important. It is also important to keep these levels consistent with as little fluctuation as possible. Alkalinity swings should be avoided at all costs (especially when caring for SPS). Calcium & magnesium can swing more so than alkalinity but should still be maintained consistent if at all possible. If there are issues with alkalinity in your system remember one thing, corals typically handle swings down better than swings up. So if your alkalinity is falling, bring it back up slowly.
One thing I see a lot of people saying is "I use water changes to maintain my levels". If there is one thing you take away from this post let it be this: There is not a salt in the world which will maintain levels in a thriving reef. This statement is not entirely true if you plan on doing huge daily water changes! The average growing reef consumes 1-3 points of alkalinity a DAY. Now your reef may not consume that much yet either because you don't have enough coral, its newer or other water chemistry is not allowing the growth to happen. My point is, don't depend on your salt alone to maintain your levels.
Dont believe me? Lets do the math. Lets say your reef is newer and your consumption is only 1/4 point per day. Now lets say you like to maintain your alkalinity at 9dKH. Now lets say your fancy salt mix has a alkalinity at 11 after mixing. Your a good reefer and do 20% water changes religiously on Saturday. Last Saturday your dKH was at 9 but the tank consumed 1/4 point per day so the this Saturday your dKH will be 7.25. That 20% water change will only bring up your alkalinity to 8 if my math is correct. You would have to almost do a 40% water change to bring your alkalinity back up to 9 in this scenario.
Remember, stability is key. Sure you could probably get by doing water changes to maintain your reef but as your tank grows so does its demands. Its better to get a regimen going now then to wait for problems to arise.
More info on water changes and their effects here:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/rhf/index.php
For info on what levels to maintain:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php
There are many ways to maintain levels. I personally use kalkwasser via a peristaltic pump and reactor. You can also use 2 part, calcium reactor, etc. Whatever you decide, don't use salt alone to maintain levels, eventually your aquarium will outrun itself. Also get into the habit of maintaining these levels consistently throughout the day by automated means or at least daily by hand. Don't wait a week to dose to bring levels back up. Slow and steady wins the race in this hobby and avoid huge changes at once. We owe it to our inhabitants to provide the best possible conditions.
