What's the optimal H20 chemistry?

scotikis

Member
I'm in the process of setting up my first FOWLR and recognize that h20 quality is paramount. I'd like to put together a reference spreadsheet outlining the parameters and need some help. I've gathered the following information, but I'm unclear on what other characteristics I should test for.
Here's what I've gotten from Fenner's book Conscientious Marine Aquarist (pg81)
Ammonia - Less than 0.01 ppm
Nitrite - Less than 0.25 ppm
Nitrates - Less than 25 ppm
pH - Range of 8.0-8.5
Temperature - 72 - 80
What other parameters do you recommend and what are the optimal values?
Thank you.
 

ifirefight

Active Member
Parameters critical to control in reef aquaria. From Randy Holmes-Farley

Calcium 380-450 ppm 420 ppm
Alkalinity 2.5-4 meq/L
7-11 dKH
125-200 ppm CaCO3 equivalents 2.5 meq/L
7 dKH
125 ppm CaCO3 equivalents
Salinity 35 ppt
sg = 1.026 34-36 ppt
sg = 1.025-1.027
Temperature 76-83° F Variable2
pH 7.8-8.5 OK
8.1-8.3 is better 8.0-8.3 (can be lower or higher in lagoons)
Magnesium 1250-1350 ppm 1280 ppm
Phosphate < 0.03 ppm 0.005 ppm
Ammonia <0.1 ppm Variable (typically <0.1 ppm)
Other parameters in reef aquaria.
Silica < 2 ppm, much lower if diatoms are a problem <0.06 - 2.7 ppm
Iodine Control not recommended 0.06 ppm total of all forms
Nitrate < 0.2 ppm Variable (typically below 0.1 ppm)
Nitrite < 0.2 ppm typically Variable (typically below 0.0001 ppm)
Strontium 5-15 ppm 8 ppm
ORP Control not recommended Variable
Boron < 10 ppm 4.4 ppm
Iron Below Kit Detection Limits (additions OK) 0.000006 ppm
 
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