Water Parameters

Learn and understand the saltwater aquarium water parameters as these are the most often tested for your saltwater fish to thrive and survive!

    As any high levels of nitrite found in your saltwater aquarium can quickly lead to fish loss. Even small amount of nitrite traced in your saltwater causes stress to your fish.

    See the suggested level for this parameter for your saltwater aquarium on the chart below.

  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate is what maintains an aquarium's biological filtration system function and stay in balance. Nitrite is converted into nitrate during this cycling process.

    Nitrates are not as toxic as ammonia or nitrites but they are harmful and will stress your fish at high enough levels.

    Constant water changes are ideal to remove nitrates in your water. See the suggested level of this parameter for your saltwater aquarium on the chart below.

Aquarium
Parameters
Suggested Level:
Reef Aquarium
Suggested Level:
FOWLR Aquarium
Average Level:
Coral Reefs
Specific Gravity 1.023 - 1.025 1.020 - 1.025 1.025
Temperature 72 - 78°F 72 - 78°F 82°F
pH 8.1 - 8.4 8.1 - 8.4 8.0 - 8.5
Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH 8 - 12 dKH 6 - 8 dKH
Ammonia (NH3) Undetectable Undetectable Near Zero
Nitrite (NO2) Undetectable Undetectable Near Zero
Nitrate -
Nitrogen (NO3)
< 1.0 ppm < 30 ppm < 0.25 ppm
Phosphate (PO4) < 0.2 ppm < 1.0 ppm < 0.13 ppm
Calcium 350 - 450 ppm 350 - 450 ppm 380 - 420 ppm
Magnesium 1250 - 1350 ppm 1150 - 1350 ppm 1300 ppm
Iodine 0.06 - 0.10 ppm 0.04 - 0.10 ppm 0.06 ppm
Strontium 8 - 14 ppm 4 - 10 ppm 8 - 10 ppm

Complete guide to maintenance and care of your saltwater aquarium

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide

© 2007 · All Rights Reserved | Step by Step Guide to Saltwater Aquarium's | Saltwater AquariumMarine Aquarium Water Chemistry | Saltwater Aquarium Beginner Guide | Marine Fish Compatibility

Reef Aquarium Index

| Sitemap

| Log in