Nice Chart on Water Parameters

orthokardia · Jan 21, 2012

Marine Depot posted a nice chart
http://www.marinedepot.com/reef-tank-parameters.html

gmoney243 · Jan 21, 2012

interesting that the alk recomended is 8-12 but ocean alk is 7

nerdwolf · Jan 22, 2012

gmoney243 said:
interesting that the alk recomended is 8-12 but ocean alk is 7

Yeah, I'm guessing it's because buffers get used up quicker in reef tanks.

andywe · Jan 22, 2012

It is also for balancing the ionic relationship between Mag and Calc for PH stability and calcium availability in the water column. Our largest tanks are like half a drop of water in the ocean compared volumetrically, so yes there are many things we have to adjust for keeping the ecosystem alive in our tanks

nerdwolf · Jan 22, 2012

I know about the ph stability, but that "ionic relationship between Mag and Calc" is one I'm not familiar with. I have a lot to learn...

cee · Jan 22, 2012

8 here. 12 is too high IMO. Mg is necessary for Ca and Alk balance. Otherwise they precipitate out.

andywe · Jan 22, 2012

nerdwolf said:
I know about the ph stability, but that "ionic relationship between Mag and Calc" is one I'm not familiar with. I have a lot to learn...

Nerd, bulk reef supply has excellent info on this stuff and many other topics. Lots of useful videos too.

Bulk Aquarium Supplies - Reef Aquarium Supplies | BulkReefSupply.com. The club has had group buys with them for years ( I think jay has one going right now) and they are supporters of our frag swap. I recommend checking out the info there.