Recommended resources to learn about the chemistry

ChrisKSB · Feb 24, 2020

Hello,

I'm understanding the (nitrogen or nitrification?) cycle pretty well! Now I need to understand where the calcium/phosphorous/alkalinity all comes into play and how it all works together. I can watch 100 YouTube videos - but was hoping some of you had some favorites that really break it down for a new person wanting to learn...

Appreciate any suggestions!

W1ngz · Feb 24, 2020

I usually break this down when I'm in 'teaching' mode into three or four steps.

First is the nitrogens.

Second is salinity, because most of what is important is always directly linked to it.

Third is the big three. Calcium, alkalinity and magnesium. Here's a good source for that: https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry

Fourth, once you have a good handle on the rest, is phosphate and nitrate where we go back to step 1 for part of it. Reefbuilders has an interesting bit on it. https://reefbuilders.com/2017/04/25/water-testing-nitrates-phosphates/

The whole Basics line of articles on reefbuilders is worth reading.

ChrisKSB · Feb 24, 2020

W1ngz said:
I usually break this down when I'm in 'teaching' mode into three or four steps.

First is the nitrogens.

Second is salinity, because most of what is important is always directly linked to it.

Third is the big three. Calcium, alkalinity and magnesium. Here's a good source for that: https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/11/chemistry

Fourth, once you have a good handle on the rest, is phosphate and nitrate where we go back to step 1 for part of it. Reefbuilders has an interesting bit on it. https://reefbuilders.com/2017/04/25/water-testing-nitrates-phosphates/

The whole Basics line of articles on reefbuilders is worth reading.