Melev's Reef Parameters
| Test Type |
Recommended Parameters matching Natural Sea Water (NSW) |
| Salinity |
1.026 sg - a calibrated refractometer is the
best tool to measure salinity. A hydrometer will measure specific
gravity, while a refractometer will show parts per million. 35ppt
is the target measurement that is closely equal to 1.026 sg. |
| pH |
7.9 to 8.3 - this varies daily in a tank; measure
with a Pinpoint Meter or controller rather than a test kit. |
| Temperature |
78° F to 84° F - average reef temperature
tends to be 81° F; try to keep within a 1.5° to 2° swing
at the most. |
| Alkalinity |
8 to 11 dKH -or- 2.86 to 3.89 meq/L |
| Calcium |
390 to 450 ppm |
| Magnesium |
1350 - 1400 ppm (or 3x Calcium levels) |
| Phosphate |
.03 ppm - leading cause of nuisance algae in your tank: click
for article |
| Ammonia |
0 - anything higher is toxic |
| Nitrite |
0 - anything higher is toxic |
| Nitrate |
10 ppm or less - huge water changes bring down nitrates: click
for article |
In February 2011, my new 400g reef was
started. Readings are taken at various times, and are documented here
to allow you to see how the parameters vary over time.
2011
Readings from my 280g reef were taken at
various times, and are documented here to allow you to see how the parameters
vary over time. This aquarium ran for nearly six years, but in early July
2010 it sprung a leak. Any measurements thereafter were taken from the
livestock vats while the new system was being built from the ground up.
2010
2009
2008
2007 - 2006
2005 - 2004
|
