There are varied schools of thought on "perfect" calcium alkalinity levels. Some people like it to be a bit higher, some lower. Myself I strive to be within the zeovit levels (420ppm for calcium and about 7dkh for alk), although I tested this morning and my calcium is way out to lunch as I've been away most of Dec. It was 500ppm, so I've opted to run my calcium reactor only during the day for now to let the levels drop naturally. I've experiencing good growth though during these past few months and my calcium has ranged between 420ppm to 500ppm. My alk has ranged betwwn 6 - 8 dkh. Magnesium is another parameter that should be tested. I like to keep mine above 1300, I have trouble doing this cause I don't test that often.
You'll find a lot of experienced aquarists just go by the look of their corals, if they don't look good, then they test. I'm pretty new at sps myself so take all this with a grain of salt.
|