Help why can’t I see any flesh on my torch

[Tunatheturtle0405]

My levels are
Ph: red (I was using API saltwater master test kit and it doesn’t match any levels on there??)
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: .5
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: .5
Kh: PPM 53.7
Calcium: 320

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

My torch does extend all the way out every day I just can’t see any flesh on it and not too sure why

 

[Rmckoy]

My levels are
Ph: red (I was using API saltwater master test kit and it doesn’t match any levels on there??)
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: .5
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: .5
Kh: PPM 53.7
Calcium: 320

As long as salinity is measured with a calibrated and accurate device .
maintain it at 1.026sg and ph will naturally fluctuate through the day .
I never test ph unless something is terribly wrong and trying to find the one smoking gun
I’d seriously look into a different test kit or try testing again .
0.5 phosphates is extremely high while 0
Nitrates is not a good sign .
Alk of 53.7 ppm is equal to 3.17dkh which is next to impossible to have.
320 cal is ok but still very low .
ideally i am closer to 380-420 ppm

 

[Kasrift]

My torch does extend all the way out every day I just can’t see any flesh on it and not too sure why

Unfortunately your tank may be too young to support it. Your parameters are pretty off and I'd suggest getting better test kits. For starters, your calcium needs to be in the 400s, 420 ideally. You shouldn't have nitrite and you do need some nitrates and phosphates.

 

[Rmckoy]

Unfortunately your tank may be too young to support it. Your parameters are pretty off and I'd suggest getting better test kits. For starters, your calcium needs to be in the 400s, 420 ideally. You shouldn't have nitrite and you do need some nitrates and phosphates.

The Alk was the one that pointed at test error . As it’s not even possible to get this number .
even api kit is 1 drop =1dkh

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

As long as salinity is measured with a calibrated and accurate device .
maintain it at 1.026sg and ph will naturally fluctuate through the day .
I never test ph unless something is terribly wrong and trying to find the one smoking gun
I’d seriously look into a different test kit or try testing again .
0.5 phosphates is extremely high while 0
Nitrates is not a good sign .
Alk of 53.7 ppm is equal to 3.17dkh which is next to impossible to have.
320 cal is ok but still very low .
ideally i am closer to 380-420 ppm

I have the API test kit which I’ve heard isn’t the best I’m going to try to buy better test kits soon. But it did test out at 3.17 I dosed almost immediately after so I’m hoping that helps I did also dose cal after to get it up to 400. I can’t test mg at all yet so I’m not sure where that stands but I’m going to try to buy a test for it soon. Any recommendations on how to fix my phosphates and nitrates?

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

The Alk was the one that pointed at test error . As it’s not even possible to get this number .
even api kit is 1 drop =1dkh

I’m going to re test my Alk now to see if it was just my fault

 

[Rmckoy]

I have the API test kit which I’ve heard isn’t the best I’m going to try to buy better test kits soon. But it did test out at 3.17 I dosed almost immediately after so I’m hoping that helps I did also dose cal after to get it up to 400. I can’t test mg at all yet so I’m not sure where that stands but I’m going to try to buy a test for it soon. Any recommendations on how to fix my phosphates and nitrates?

Have you tested salinity ?
What are you measuring salinity with ?

I wouldn’t dose anything as there is something wrong.

 

[Rmckoy]

I have the API test kit which I’ve heard isn’t the best I’m going to try to buy better test kits soon. But it did test out at 3.17 I dosed almost immediately after so I’m hoping that helps I did also dose cal after to get it up to 400. I can’t test mg at all yet so I’m not sure where that stands but I’m going to try to buy a test for it soon. Any recommendations on how to fix my phosphates and nitrates?

I wouldn’t worry about phosphates or nitrates yet .
Try getting the main salinity , calcium and alkalinity within range and stable .
The torch will not last long enough to worry about phosphates if they are not corrected

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

Have you tested salinity ?
What are you measuring salinity with ?

I wouldn’t dose anything as there is something wrong.

My salinity is at 1.025 so it’s at a good range, I’m measuring it using a refractometer

 

[Rmckoy]

My salinity is at 1.025 so it’s at a good range, I’m measuring it using a refractometer

Not being a jerk but it has been calibrated with calibration 35ppt and when looking into the device the line is on zero 1.000?

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

Not being a jerk but it has been calibrated with calibration 35ppt and when looking into the device the line is on zero 1.000?

Yes I used RODI to calibrate and I just double checked and it’s at 0 when I use RODI

 

[vetteguy53081]

My levels are
Ph: red (I was using API saltwater master test kit and it doesn’t match any levels on there??)
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: .5
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: .5
Kh: PPM 53.7
Calcium: 320

Some levels are not in balance and may be associated with tank age and parameters. I suspecy false readings especially if using Api. I recommend taking a water sample to a store that does NOT use Api kits and have them test your ammonia and nitrates and compare readings- then you'll know where your levels truly are at
I will never trust a $7 badge or $25 master kit to sustain hundreds of dollars in livestock.

Nitrite: .5 - Disregard unless sky high (over 100)
Nitrate: 0 While not impossible would indicate corals are starving
Phosphate: .5 - Considered very high and would brown out coral. You want .04-.08
Kh: PPM 53.7 elevated
Calcium: 320 - Too low- You want 400-450

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yes I used RODI to calibrate and I just double checked and it’s at 0 when I use RODI

RODI is not a good or accurate means of calibration. You want calibration fluid

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

RODI is not a good or accurate means of calibration. You want calibration fluid

Thank you I’ll try to go buy some of that tomorrow

 

[cpoynter]

RODI is not a good or accurate means of calibration. You want calibration fluid

I second this. Just because your refractometer is accurate at 0 PPM, unfortunately it doesn’t mean that it is accurate all the way to the other end of the scale. You need to calibrate it at 35ppm.
Before you spend any more money on corals, it’s worth the investment to buy good test kits, and to get your parameters in check.
As for your torch: A friend gave me one in similar condition about 5 months ago. I KFC dipped it, and it is still alive, but the flesh band has definitely not improved. You might be able to nurse it back to health, but it could be a long road.

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

I second this. Just because your refractometer is accurate at 0 PPM, unfortunately it doesn’t mean that it is accurate all the way to the other end of the scale. You need to calibrate it at 35ppm.
Before you spend any more money on corals, it’s worth the investment to buy good test kits, and to get your parameters in check.
As for your torch: A friend gave me one in similar condition about 5 months ago. I KFC dipped it, and it is still alive, but the flesh band has definitely not improved. You might be able to nurse it back to health, but it could be a long road.

I hope I’m able to nurse it back, I am definitely happy I started this thread because I would’ve had no idea I was doing anything wrong if I didn’t

 

[Tunatheturtle0405]

I second this. Just because your refractometer is accurate at 0 PPM, unfortunately it doesn’t mean that it is accurate all the way to the other end of the scale. You need to calibrate it at 35ppm.
Before you spend any more money on corals, it’s worth the investment to buy good test kits, and to get your parameters in check.
As for your torch: A friend gave me one in similar condition about 5 months ago. I KFC dipped it, and it is still alive, but the flesh band has definitely not improved. You might be able to nurse it back to health, but it could be a long road.

Also as for test kits what would you recommend I want to make sure I’m doing everything right from now on so I’m definitely willing to spend the money

 

[cpoynter]

Also as for test kits what would you recommend I want to make sure I’m doing everything right from now on so I’m definitely willing to spend the money

I’d imagine there are a lot of opinions out there. I use the Hanna checkers for phosphates (ULR), nitrates, and alkalinity. I know it’s $200 worth of test kits, but it’s worth it considering what they charge for coral these days. I’m sure there are people who would disagree, but I’m getting the results I’m looking for.

 

[Rmckoy]

Also as for test kits what would you recommend I want to make sure I’m doing everything right from now on so I’m definitely willing to spend the money

Ill list what I use

Alkalinity - Hanna checker or salifert
Calcium - salifert
Salinity - refractometer but I have upgraded to a Hanna salinity checker
Nitrate - salifert
Phosphates - Hanna ulr