Ideal water parameters for a reef aquarium typically include a temperature of 24-28°C (75-82°F),
a salinity of 1.024-1.026
specific gravity (32-35 ppt),
a pH between 8.1-8.4,
and stable levels of alkalinity (8-12 dKH),
calcium (400-450 ppm),
magnesium (1250-1350 ppm).
Ammonia and nitrite should be undetectable, while nitrates should be kept below 10 ppm to prevent algae blooms.
Key Parameters and Their Importance:
- Temperature:Consistent temperature is crucial for coral health and stability. Fluctuations can stress corals and impact their growth.
- Salinity:Reef aquariums typically require higher salinity than fish-only systems, but maintaining a stable salinity is more important than the exact value.
- pH:Stable pH levels are vital for coral health and calcification. Buffers can help stabilize pH, but maintaining a stable pH through other means (like water surface movement) is preferred, according to a reefing resource.
- Alkalinity:Alkalinity (measured as dKH) is critical for maintaining proper pH and providing the necessary carbonate ions for coral skeletons.
- Calcium:Calcium is essential for coral growth and skeletal development.
- Magnesium:Magnesium helps maintain proper calcium and alkalinity levels and prevents the precipitation of calcium carbonate.
- Ammonia and Nitrite:These are toxic to marine life and should be kept at zero in a mature reef tank.
- Nitrate:While less toxic than ammonia and nitrite, high nitrate levels can promote algae growth and negatively impact coral health.
- Phosphates:Phosphates are nutrients that can fuel nuisance algae growth. Keeping phosphate levels low is ideal.