Water condition

bushwacker

Member
I am new to saltwater fish. Just changed my tank over from fresh water to saltwater. I know the conditions for good water in a fresh water tank but what should they be for saltwater. At this time my saltwater tank is as follows:
PH ~8.0
Nitrate 20
Ammonia 0
SG 1.023
Is the PH high for salt water? Is the nitrate level ok? I just added a cleaner bundle. Thanks
 

dskidmore

Active Member
pH should be high in saltwater 8.2-8.3, although it will go lower if you have macroalgae when the lights have been on awhile. RO water mixed to the proper concentration of salt, and areated overnight, should be right on target. You should not have to add buffers or pH adjustors.
Just cycled new tank, the nitrate seems ok. Assuming your nitrite is also 0, you can add your cleaners and first fish now. You're going to have to wait awhile for the nitrate to come down before adding any delicate corals.
 

bushwacker

Member
Thanks I just added fish and a small amount of cleaner stuff but I think I will need more. I have been reading allot about using RO/DI water. I have been using tap water and treating with what the pet shop told me to treat it with. Is that ok or should I switch to RO? If I switch to RO do I still need to treat the water? Thanks again.
 

kdfrosty

Active Member
I would stick to RO. When you say that you treated the tapwater, I am assuming that means you took the chlorine out. the tap water still contains other stuff like phosphates, etc...You'll still experience outbreaks of algae/diatoms using "treated" tapwater.
That's the beauty of RO. None of that garbage, just pure pleasure. Give it a try, and soon you'll be investing in a RO filter.
 

dhughesz28

Member
8.2-8.3, although it will go lower if you have macroalgae when the lights have been on awhile.
I thought pH droped whenthe lights were OFF ?? :notsure:
 

dskidmore

Active Member
Originally Posted by dhughesz28
I thought pH droped whenthe lights were OFF ?? :notsure:
You're right. I must have taken my medicaiton too early... Carbonic Acid is higher at night.
 
Top