What Parameters Should I Aim For?
- Thread starter Misbar
- Start date
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Alk 8 to 9
Cal 425
Mag 1425 yep typo *-*
PO4 less than 0.1
Nitrate 5 to 10
I could be more specific but im sure others will have their exact numbers that work for them
Cal 425
Mag 1425 yep typo *-*
PO4 less than 0.1
Nitrate 5 to 10
I could be more specific but im sure others will have their exact numbers that work for them
Last edited:
SPR1968
No, it wasn’t expensive dear....
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I’m sure it’s just a typo but Magnesium should be around 1300-1350ppm as a rough guide. I tend to run mine higher at 1350-1400ppm most if the time
Others numbers are fine, but you’ll get a lot of answers on this. Randys article is a good guide
BeejReef
2500 Club Member
BRS just did a real nice series on "best in show" test kits for 2019.
You really want to be able to test for all the parameters mentioned above, plus ammonia.
LPS is a pretty broad category. You might get away with some more wallet friendly test kits if you're talking about a head of hammer and another of frogspawn, as opposed to a $250 torch.
Whatever brand you choose, they don't expire for a year, so choose one you're fairly confident that will do all you need it to for that long, or you're just burning your money.
You really want to be able to test for all the parameters mentioned above, plus ammonia.
LPS is a pretty broad category. You might get away with some more wallet friendly test kits if you're talking about a head of hammer and another of frogspawn, as opposed to a $250 torch.
Whatever brand you choose, they don't expire for a year, so choose one you're fairly confident that will do all you need it to for that long, or you're just burning your money.
U
User1
Guest
Parameter wise wasn't the typically recommendation to target what your saltwater is that you are using?
Misbar
Active Member
Sorry for getting back late guys. I appreciate your input. I haven't started a tank yet, just wanted to get an idea of what to aim for because different salt mixes have different readings.
Thanks! I'll check that out as well!
Misbar
Thanks! I'll check that out as well!
Misbar
And to add more fuel to the fire, more so than what parameters to shoot for, the ideal is stability. So as I learned later than I would have liked, don’t chase numbers. Keep them as stable as you can. But, for number sake, here are mine:
Alk 7.3-7.7
Mag 1380
Cal 480
No3 5-7.5
Po4 ?? (Salifert year)
pH ?? Never once tested
I keep a predominate zoa and LPS tank with a few Montipora. Have my Doser tuned. Check Alk weekly unless I see something wonky and then just check to make sure all is well. The rest are monthly tests. The tank as a whole is about 3+ years old and had many ups and downs. Mainly when I overreacted and tried to change something quick. If things look bad, slowly adjust to correct it. Don’t panic and risk the whole tank over the appearance of one coral. Also, some coral that are easy for others to keep may end up being your unicorn and no way to make it happy. I had a 300+ polyp rock full of mandarin orange zoas. They melted in a half weeks time. Now, I can’t keep one to save my life, but the rest of the tank looks great. Hope this helps.
Alk 7.3-7.7
Mag 1380
Cal 480
No3 5-7.5
Po4 ?? (Salifert year)
pH ?? Never once tested
I keep a predominate zoa and LPS tank with a few Montipora. Have my Doser tuned. Check Alk weekly unless I see something wonky and then just check to make sure all is well. The rest are monthly tests. The tank as a whole is about 3+ years old and had many ups and downs. Mainly when I overreacted and tried to change something quick. If things look bad, slowly adjust to correct it. Don’t panic and risk the whole tank over the appearance of one coral. Also, some coral that are easy for others to keep may end up being your unicorn and no way to make it happy. I had a 300+ polyp rock full of mandarin orange zoas. They melted in a half weeks time. Now, I can’t keep one to save my life, but the rest of the tank looks great. Hope this helps.
Test kit recommendations:
No3 Salifert
Po4 Hanna (ultra low phosphate)
Cal Salifert
Mag Salifert
Alk Hanna
No3 Salifert
Po4 Hanna (ultra low phosphate)
Cal Salifert
Mag Salifert
Alk Hanna
