What does stable parameters mean to you?

[benmed]

For each of the major tank parameters (let’s say ph, nitrate, phosphate, salinity, alkalinity, temp), what is your target, how much variability do you accept until it’s “not stable” and why do you choose those boundary values?

 

[EricR]

I'll bite, I guess:
- pH ... don't do anything with it anyway so rarely test but would say >= 8 is happy-ish
- Salinity around 1.026 ... variance of more than 0.001 and I'd do something about it
- Nitrate/Phosphate I only want to not hit zero (would like more than I have currently)
- Alk 8-9 would be my ideal but I run around 7.5 dKH
- Temp close to 77

 

[benmed]

Bump

 

[EricR]

I'd lean towards Randy's suggestions (((note that this is 2014 post but he's apparently updated it based on science/opinion evolution))):

Optimal Parameters

 

[benmed]

No I understand the basic parameters, but the question is really how much fluctuation is acceptable? If the ph is normally 8.15 and it goes down to 8.0 is that okay? If it goes to 7.9, is that okay? Obviously these parameters are going to change during the day and during the week. At what point do you say this is too much fluctuation?