VERY basic information.. where is it?

[SnowManSnow]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if there is a post that actually LISTS acceptable water parameters for a reef system? I know there are arguements for small increments one way or another, but being fairly new to the world of marine aquaria I just need a general "acceptable range" chart for things very basic things like Temp. PH. Salinity. SG. HG... and the like...

Can anyone help me out here? Is there a list on the site somewhere I missed?

Thanks,

B. Snow

 

[SnowManSnow]

OK one more thing I forgot about.. again VERY BASIC.. I use a salt mixture that adds trace elements and sets the PH automatically... question is this.. as I add top off water.. do I need to buff the water to the correct ph? or will the salt mixture in the tank do it for me... I use "Instant Ocean"

OK maybe a dumb question.. but its been a LONG weekend!

Thanks,
B.

 

[ChrisRD]

Generally speaking, numbers most reefkeepers would consider acceptable:

Temp = 78 to 82 degrees F
pH = 8.0 to 8.4
Salinity = 34 to 36 PPT
SG = 1.025 +/- .001

You shouldn't need to buffer your topoff water. When your system loses water to evaporation, it's pure water - it leaves the minerals/trace elements behind.

That said, many people like to use full-strength (saturated) or diluted kalkwasser for topoff which helps supply Ca/Alk in balanced quantities (and can also raise pH) while accomplishing the topoff function - sorta kills two birds...

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

Get a Basic Marine Aquarium Book. Like Saltwater Aquaruims for Dummies.These are excellent guides.

 

[Anonymous]

OK one more thing I forgot about.. again VERY BASIC.. I use a salt mixture that adds trace elements and sets the PH automatically... question is this.. as I add top off water.. do I need to buff the water to the correct ph? or will the salt mixture in the tank do it for me... I use "Instant Ocean"

OK maybe a dumb question.. but its been a LONG weekend!

Thanks,
B.

The only dumb question is the one not asked.


I think you will find that with comercial salt mixes, most parameters will be fine. In my system I use plant life (macro algaes) and circulate my water through a calcium source. And parameters just wind up where they should be.

Bob

 

[SnowManSnow]

Thanks for the information fellas, and gals? I'm goin tonight to pick up a few things.. Maybe I'll post a pic later Have a great evening.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the information fellas, and gals? I'm goin tonight to pick up a few things.. Maybe I'll post a pic later Have a great evening.

Have fun buddy!