What Parameters Should I Aim For?

Misbar · Oct 2, 2019

With mainly zoas/palys and lps, what should I aim for as far as parameters? And what params should I get a kit to test for?

Thanks,

Misbar

lapin · Oct 2, 2019

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

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

SPR1968 · Oct 3, 2019

lapin said:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php
Alk 8 to 9
Cal 425
Mag 425
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

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

BayouReefer · Oct 3, 2019

I agree on all parameters and Magnesium probably a typo. Mine runs 1400

BeejReef · Oct 3, 2019

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.

User1 · Oct 3, 2019

Parameter wise wasn't the typically recommendation to target what your saltwater is that you are using?

Misbar · Oct 5, 2019

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.

BeejReef said:
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.

Thanks! I'll check that out as well!

Misbar

Dom · Oct 5, 2019

Misbar said:
With mainly zoas/palys and lps, what should I aim for as far as parameters? And what params should I get a kit to test for?

Thanks,

Misbar

Your target parameters are based on what you are keeping in your tank.

ReeferMaddness843 · Oct 5, 2019

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.