Water Levels Confusion....

[FishFinatic ;)]

So I recently just bought an 120 gallon tank for saltwater and every pet store and person I talk to seems to be telling me a different thing... It's crazy!!! So, as you can probably guess, I'm a bit, what's the word... bewildered. I'm planning on setting up a tank with corals, inverts, and other reef safe fish. So, can anyone tell me what some of my water parameters should be? Like pH, calcium, acidity, temp, nitrites, nitrates, etc.? I'm so confused on this part, I really need your help!!!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sure.

Start here:
Optimal Parameters for a Coral Reef Aquarium: By Randy Holmes-Farley
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/o...-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley.173563/

 

[Crabs McJones]

So I recently just bought an 120 gallon tank for saltwater and every pet store and person I talk to seems to be telling me a different thing... It's crazy!!! So, as you can probably guess, I'm a bit, what's the word... bewildered. I'm planning on setting up a tank with corals, inverts, and other reef safe fish. So, can anyone tell me what some of my water parameters should be? Like pH, calcium, acidity, temp, nitrites, nitrates, etc.? I'm so confused on this part, I really need your help!!!

Have you started setting up the tank yet? your levels will vary depended on what part of your cycle you're in (or if you cycle is done) but in the end game you'll want 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, low nitrate, ph around 8, calcium 400-500, alk 8dkh, temperature 78-80, salinity of 1.023-1.026 (1.026 for corals)
Take a look at this, I hope it helps

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/o...-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley.173563/

Edit: I see Randy Holmes Farley already linked it lol and he's the expert

 

[Mandelstam]

I'm new to reefing as well, so I know the feeling. Do lots and lots of research. And the values themselves are guides and ranges and hitting that exact number is not as important as maintaining the same levels long term. It's better to be a little off but have a stable level than constantly jumping up and down trying to get it exactly right. So as well as learning the levels make a plan on how to maintain them. Lots of different systems and methods out there and the best thing is just choosing one and sticking with it. That's my impression so far anyway.

Good luck!

 

[aquaman30k]

Welcome to the hobby! I can give you my ideal parameters but I think everyone will have a different answer. My best advice is to read up on your favorite systems and target their water parameters or natural sea water NSW as close as possible.

The core parameters would be Calcium 420-450ppm, Alkalinity 8-9 dkh, Magnesium 1250ppm, Phosphate .02-.05ppm, Nitrates 1-5 ppm, Salinity 1.024-1.026sg, pH 7.8-8.4, Nitrite 0 and ammonia 0.

Nitrite and ammonia should only be detectable during the initial cycle. Post cycle nitrates should be detectable.

Hope this helps.

 

[FishFinatic ;)]

Thank you so much, but no, actually, I haven't started setting the tank up yet, I just bought it. To be honest, I haven't even put water in it yet! I'll read the articles, 300,000 times probably , and I'll go by those guidelines for my water. I really appreciate everyone's help on Reef2Reef, you all have been so helpful!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Thank you so much, but no, actually, I haven't started setting the tank up yet, I just bought it. To be honest, I haven't even put water in it yet! I'll read the articles, 300,000 times probably , and I'll go by those guidelines for my water. I really appreciate everyone's help on Reef2Reef, you all have been so helpful!

Give this a good read over

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[FishFinatic ;)]

I'm new to reefing as well, so I know the feeling. Do lots and lots of research. And the values themselves are guides and ranges and hitting that exact number is not as important as maintaining the same levels long term. It's better to be a little off but have a stable level than constantly jumping up and down trying to get it exactly right. So as well as learning the levels make a plan on how to maintain them. Lots of different systems and methods out there and the best thing is just choosing one and sticking with it. That's my impression so far anyway.

Good luck!

I agree, I have been doing tons of research, but, as we all know, when you type something into Google, you get about 4 million results..... I agree with that philosophy, though, it's better to keep the levels the same throughout then to jump around to get it perfect. Again, everyone, I am truly grateful for all of your help.

 

[Mandelstam]

There's a bunch of really good Youtube channels as well. Melev's Reef and Fish of Hex comes to mind. Lots of good and informative content for the beginning reefer.

 

[Crabs McJones]

There's a bunch of really good Youtube channels as well. Melev's Reef and Fish of Hex comes to mind. Lots of good and informative content for the beginning reefer.

The BRS 52 weeks of reefing is another good one. Literally from start to finish

 

[Mandelstam]

The BRS 52 weeks of reefing is another good one. Literally from start to finish

HOW COULD I FORGET BRS TV??? Well it's friday and I'm tired lol ;Wacky

 

[Mandelstam]

Have to make up for my mistake...

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

There's a bunch of really good Youtube channels as well. Melev's Reef and Fish of Hex comes to mind. Lots of good and informative content for the beginning reefer.

Just be careful because there is also a lot of incorrect information floating around, even when it sounds reasonable or is claimed to work for someone.

It's actually pretty sad.