Best Parameters

[Bear Claw]

I have seen so many different takes and opinions on what the best and most desirable parameters are for a mixed reef tank, but I can't seem to find anyone or any brand that has the same recommendations. What would you recommend aiming for in a mixed reef tank? I'm looking for the best parameters that softies, LPS, SPS, fish, and inverts would all thrive in. Thank you!

 

[Pistondog]

Dkh 8 to 8.5
Ca 400
Mg 1400
Salinity 1.026
Nitrate 5 to 10 ppm
Phosphate 0.07 to 0.13
Ph 8 to 8.35

 

[FishTruck]

One theory is that high flow high light tanks do better on the higher end of nutrients and lower flow lower light tanks do better on the lower end. The parameters listed above are an excellent starting point. Mixed reefs are the hardest in my experience.

 

[billyocean]

I have 8.2ish alk
440 calcium
1400 mag
.06ish phosphates
10-15 nitrates
Mixed reef but acro dominate.
You really can be successful within the recommended ranges as long as you keep the numbers as consistent as possible. As mentioned above, higher nutrients (no3/po4) are better with higher alk especially for sps to avoid burnt tips. But really just pick a range, preferably near what the salt you want to use and try to keep stable.

 

[billyocean]

Also..it's wise to test your salt batches when you first use them each time. That way you will know if anything doesn't match up and what to compensate for

 

[gbroadbridge]

I have seen so many different takes and opinions on what the best and most desirable parameters are for a mixed reef tank, but I can't seem to find anyone or any brand that has the same recommendations. What would you recommend aiming for in a mixed reef tank? I'm looking for the best parameters that softies, LPS, SPS, fish, and inverts would all thrive in. Thank you!

Copy the ocean

 

[dedragon]

Mixed reef you aim for the average between most. There wont be just 1 right parameter but a range that you should be in.

 

[X-37B]

I run as close to NSW as possible.
Has worked well for many years with anything.
Temp 78-80
SG 1.026-1.027
Alk 7-7.5
Ca 420-450
Mag 1300-1350
No3<5
Po4 < 0.1
Get a plan and focus on keeping them in your desired range.

 

[JimWelsh]

Optimal Parameters for a Coral Reef Aquarium: By Randy Holmes-Farley

[note: edited on 5/29/2022 to update the nitrate and phosphate sections with higher recommended levels.] One of the main roles of an aquarist with a coral reef aquarium is to ensure that the conditions are right for their tank inhabitants. There are many different attributes of the aquarium...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[arking_mark]

For many reasons, the best parameters are what your artificial salt mix provides. So just pick a salt that matches your style. I like to have close to natural salt water and use TM Pro.