Is my water parameters ok?

[AquariumDani]

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: Nearly 0
Nitrate: 20 (I can't seem to get this lower than 20)
Alk: 7.6dKH
Mg: 1400
Ca: 470ppm

Can I add coral?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It’s more about the maturity of the tank really.
If it’s a couple months old , yes , get some inexpensive tester frags. See how it goes.

Donhave the phosphate tested too. Just so you know where you are.

Get a double check on the no3 cuz it’s odd it doesn’t get lower for you. It should def after a god sized water change.

 

[AquariumDani]

It’s more about the maturity of the tank really.
If it’s a couple months old , yes , get some inexpensive tester frags. See how it goes.

Donhave the phosphate tested too. Just so you know where you are.

Get a double check on the no3 cuz it’s odd it doesn’t get lower for you. It should def after a god sized water change.

I'll ask my LFS because it just stays around 20ppm constantly. I'll look into the other tests too. Thanks

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I'll ask my LFS because it just stays around 20ppm constantly. I'll look into the other tests too. Thanks

You’re welcome.
Enjoy the new corals.

 

[lapin]

No knowing much about your system its hard to say why your N stays at 20 and does not go up or down.
+1 on the new corals

 

[cancun]

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: Nearly 0
Nitrate: 20 (I can't seem to get this lower than 20)
Alk: 7.6dKH
Mg: 1400
Ca: 470ppm

Can I add coral?

Hi! Nitrite should be 0....what reading are you getting when you said nearly 0?

 

[AquariumDani]

Hi! Nitrite should be 0....what reading are you getting when you said nearly 0?

It's barely pink. It's lower than the 0.05ppm. I can only see the pink when its up against complete white and not next to the other pinks for the red reef test, otherwise it looks completely clear.

 

[cancun]

It's barely pink. It's lower than the 0.05ppm. I can only see the pink when its up against complete white and not next to the other pinks for the red reef test, otherwise it looks completely clear.

Just to be certain while you are having your LFS test your other water parameters, have them check nitrites to be sure it is at 0 also. That way you will know for sure. Better to be safe than sorry!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Ammona becomes nitrates.
Nitrifying bacteria.
If you have nitrate after adding Ammonia the tank is cycling.
Ammona makes nitrites before nitrate.

So. nitrites are an indicator that its working. But nitrates are it HAS worked.

So IMO, You don’t really have tontest for nitrites during a cycle if you have nitrates.
It’s like saying yes it’s cooking in the oven when you’ve already used a meat thermometer on the roast.

Save for very high nitrites it’s not toxic and doesn’t effect anything whatsoever. (rare , actually never seen it , here in 3 years or in person)