Are my parameters okay?

milamlucas52 · May 8, 2023

2 and a half months in with my first tank. 13.5 Fluval evo.

After I cycled the tank I slowly added a couple fish and coral.

2 clowns
Neon goby
CUC

2 zoanthid
1 Frogspawn

my parameters are

Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-40
ph- 7.8
Alkalinity- 8.3
Calcium- 370
Phosphate- 0

I know those aren’t amazing but how can I get them to where they need to be? I want to have more coral. Fluval marine 3.0 light. I appreciate any feedback!

vetteguy53081 · May 9, 2023

milamlucas52 said:
2 and a half months in with my first tank. 13.5 Fluval evo.

After I cycled the tank I slowly added a couple fish and coral.

2 clowns
Neon goby
CUC

2 zoanthid
1 Frogspawn

my parameters are

Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-40
ph- 7.8
Alkalinity- 8.3
Calcium- 370
Phosphate- 0

I know those aren’t amazing but how can I get them to where they need to be? I want to have more coral. Fluval marine 3.0 light. I appreciate any feedback!

What test kits are you using?
Desired ranges:
Ammonia- <.025
Nitrate <20
Alk 8-11
Ca. 400-450
Mag 1300-1350
Temp 77-79
Ph 8.0-8.4

milamlucas52 · May 9, 2023

Thanks! I used Saliferts for these tests. So will my parameters that are off usually improve with time as the tank becomes more established or should I be doing anything extra to help out? Was told by lfs not to do first water change for 3 months so in a week or two I’ll probably be doing my first water change.

Dburr1014 · May 9, 2023

vetteguy53081 said:
What test kits are you using?
Desired ranges:
Ammonia- <.025
Nitrate <20
Alk 8-11
Ca. 400-450
Mag 1300-1350
Temp 77-79
Ph 8.0-8.4

Po4 also 0.05~0.1

Dburr1014 · May 9, 2023

milamlucas52 said:
Thanks! I used Saliferts for these tests. So will my parameters that are off usually improve with time as the tank becomes more established or should I be doing anything extra to help out? Was told by lfs not to do first water change for 3 months so in a week or two I’ll probably be doing my first water change.

WC will help to bring down the no3.
I would start now. What's your plan? IMO, 10% weekly is a good place to start.

StatelineReefer · May 9, 2023

Dburr1014 said:
WC will help to bring down the no3.
I would start now. What's your plan? IMO, 10% weekly is a good place to start.

Adding phosphate should also bring down the nitrate too, assuming a phosphate limitation.

Dburr1014 · May 9, 2023

StatelineReefer said:
Adding phosphate should also bring down the nitrate too, assuming a phosphate limitation.

Absolutely, 0 Phosphate is definatly limiting the no3 from coming down depending of coarse on the export method.

OP, what is your export method?
Skimmer?