How do these #’s look

[Yates273]

Looking to do LPS corals in my 32 Biocube. I am new to saltwater and was curious if these numbers are a good starting point where I can start purchasing corals. Like I said I’m a beginner at salt and was looking to do basic LPS, Zoa, and soft corals. TYIA
Water temp 78.4. There is currently a fire shrimp and several types of snails for my CUC.

Ph 8.2
Calcium 440
Ammonia 0
Nitrates 10 ppm
Nitrites 0 ppm
Phosphates looks to be 0
Kh 10
Salinity 1.026

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Those values seem a fine starting point.

How are you measuring phosphate?

 

[Yates273]

Unfortunately the API kit

 

[mta_morrow]

Unfortunately the API kit

IMHO, after learning how important phosphates and nitrates are, I would invest in good test kits for both.

 

[Yates273]

I know it’s not the greatest for testing phosphates but I’m not doing SPS Corals

 

[mta_morrow]

I know it’s not the greatest for testing phosphates but I’m not doing SPS Corals

It’s not about Nutrient control, which can sneak up and bite you VERY HARD!

So, it’s hard for a person here, anyone, that really wants to help and answer your question.

0 on api can mean .1 or .2 for phosphates or anywhere in between.

Same with api nitrates test.

And if they really are zero, well, that’s a really bad thing too!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Unfortunately the API kit

But that means it likely isn’t too low, which was a possible concern. [emoji3]

I think you are good to go starting some corals.

 

[Yates273]

Def excited about doing some corals. I am also looking at those feather dusters. I like how they sway with the current. I def. need to add something since I am keeping the tank fishless for 8 weeks.