This tank is very similar to the average tank size kept in our DRC.
Alkalinity is one of the most over looked parameter by new saltwater aquariest. When I was new I didn’t worry too much about alk and paid too much attention to pH. This is a great quote from the write up:
I have found a key component of growing quality corals is keeping alkalinity (alk) stable. If you are new to the hobby and are considering keeping SPS corals, I can not stress the importance of this aspect enough. I feel my system is unique because I have very little water volume compared to the ratio of SPS corals. Therefore, it is crucial for me to keep a close watch on my alkalinity. In fact to ensure stability, I test alkalinity daily.
I’d say he’s got a decent amount of SPS going on there!
I would assume you would test your system fairly frequently for all 3 parameters (Ca, Alk, Mag) when keep a decent amount of corals like that, until you can establish a baseline for how much of what your system consumes. Then reduce your testing rate to verify it still matches your model of consumption and adjust as necessary. Of course any big changes you would have to re test and re evaluate the consumption.
The big thing is all 3 are linked together and should all be checked until you have a good handle on how it functions.
