Water Parameters 101: What to Test and Why

Name: Reefify
Address: Phoenix, AZ, US
Telephone: +16026765476
Price range: $$

Beginner

Consistent water parameters are the key to a thriving reef. Essential tests: Salinity (1.024-1.026), Temperature (76-78°F), pH (8.0-8.3), Alkalinity (7-11 dKH), Calcium (380-450 ppm), Magnesium (1250-1350 ppm), Ammonia (0), Nitrite (0), Nitrate (<10 ppm for SPS, <20 for LPS/softies), Phosphate (<0.1 ppm). Test weekly at minimum. Stability matters more than hitting exact numbers. Invest in a quality test kit like Hanna checkers or Salifert.