Sandworm
04-07-2004, 05:52 PM
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about what levels are supposed to be in your reef. Some of these are adjustable depending on preference, so please, do not reply saying its better if you do it this way or that.. Levels listed are generally what is found in the ocean. We've also listed items that should not be present, but felt they should be listed.
Ammonia (NI-13/NH4~) Optimum level: zero at all times
Ammonia is the primary enemy of invertebrates and fish, capable of causing death in very low concentrations. Causes of ammonia included: an immature filter, over-feeding, overstocking and dead or dying stock. Vigilance and regular testing can avoid the presence of ammonia.
Nitrite (NO2) Optimum level: zero at all times Even trace levels of nitrite can destroy a well-presented invertebrate aquarium and cause fish much distress. All comment regarding ammonia apply equally as well here
Nitrate (NO3) Optimum levels: below 10 parts per million (ppm) total NO3 preferably zero
Some fish may tolerate well in excess of 25ppm. A reasonably harmless substance where many fish are concerned but a good overall indicator of general water quality and one that should be kept extremely low if invertebrates are to thrive. Constantly high nitrate levels usually reflect high fish stocking ratios. This must be monitored and the aquaria de- stocked if necessary stocked if necessary
Phosphates (P04) Optimum level: zero
Invertebrates do not prosper when levels of phosphate get too high. Phosphates arrive in the aquarium through unfiltered main water (used in the mixing of fresh or saltwater changes), poor quality carbon and marine salts, but mostly through the waste products of fish. Nuisance algae thrive where phosphate levels are high and destocking, high-quality water changes in the correct proportion or phosphate-removing resins can all help alleviate the problem.
Temperature 72-80 Optimum level: 25°C (77°F)
A stable temperature is essential to the well being of invertebrates and fish. Weather and lighting may force the temperature up and a cooler may have to be installed if valuable livestock is not to he lost. Always use an accurate thermometer
Magnesium: 1300 mg/l(ppm) 1280-1300ppm optimal
Iodine: Natural seawater has about .06 part per million (ppm) of iodine, including all from such as iodide, iodate, and organically bound iodine.
*Most marine aquarists maintain their aquariums with an iodine level of .06 ppm.
Strontium: Strontium is a minor element occurring in sea water at a concentration on about 8 to 10 mg/L. It is chemically very similar to calcium, and many organisms incorporate it in their skeletons along with calcium.
*Most marine aquarists maintain their aquariums with a strontium level of 8 - 10 mg/L.
PH Optimum level: 8.1-8.3
PH is a measure of the alkalinity or acidity of aquarium water. Invertebrates are sensitive to wide variations, although some natural changes are to be expected during the day. Dissolved oxygen assists in the increase of pH and as this builds tip due to activity of photosynthesis by micro and macro algae; test meters or kits will detect it. Aquarium water could drop to as low as 7.9 at the end of the night, and peak at around 8.4 just before lights out. These natural pH cycles are gradual and tend not to stress livestock to any great degree. Owing to their ingredients, pH buffers can also increase KU values to dangerously high levels. Regular water changes are essential.
(K)arbonate (H)ardness: Natural Sea water (NSW) is 7dKH For your Reef Its Suggested a range of 8-14dKH (11 being optimal)
KH is a measurement of various carbonates and bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium, and borates within fresh and sea water. A stable KH will prevent rapid declines in alkalinity and subsequent drops in pH.
Salinity Optimum level: between 1.023-1.025 (S.G.)
Salinity measures the total amount of dissolved solids in seawater. It is usually recorded as specific gravity (S.G.) but can Also be referred to as part per thousand (ppt) or 0/00 (eg 35 0/00 is 1.026). Constant evaporation of freshwater from the aquarium causes the salts to become more concentrated and the salinity to rise. To maintain stability, automatic dosing systems called osmo-regulators or osmolators are often used. These systems use conductivity meters to a very accurate level. They take their readings in micro Siemens (PS) and may be set to replenish freshwater as it evaporates
Calcium Optimum level: 350-400 ppm
Calcium is a vital element in any marine aquarium. A host of invertebrates draw it from the surrounding water in copious amounts and calcium reserves need to be replenished on a regular basis. Regular water changes may achieve this hut a well-stocked invertebrate tank may require the addition of biologically available calcium to keep levels optimum.
Dissolved Oxygen (02) Optimum level: 6-7 ppm
Both fish and invertebrates benefit greatly from high levels of dissolved oxygen. Good water circulation is the key, as oxygen is drawn mainly from the interface between air and water. Dissolved oxygen also affects ph.
Copper: Optimum levels: zero in the invertebrate aquarium; variable in the fish-only tank
Copper-based medications have proved very reliable in the treatment of various fish diseases such as white spot and Qodinium. It is, however, highly toxic to invertebrates and should never he used in aquaria housing these animals. Accurate measurement of copper is essential, as it can even prove lethal to fish at certain levels. Copper can even be introduced to the marine aquarium by way of the domestic water supply and this should he tested from time to time.
Redox Potential (ORP) Optimum level: approx 350 millivolts
Oxygen Reduction Potential is, broadly speaking, a measurement of the water's ability to cleanse itself. Highly efficient filtration and the use of ozone will help to boost values. ORP can only be measured using an electronic meter with a high quaity probe. As with many advanced" tests, ORP is not absolutely essential and the readings may be difficult to interpret without a full understanding of the multiple parameters.
Ammonia (NI-13/NH4~) Optimum level: zero at all times
Ammonia is the primary enemy of invertebrates and fish, capable of causing death in very low concentrations. Causes of ammonia included: an immature filter, over-feeding, overstocking and dead or dying stock. Vigilance and regular testing can avoid the presence of ammonia.
Nitrite (NO2) Optimum level: zero at all times Even trace levels of nitrite can destroy a well-presented invertebrate aquarium and cause fish much distress. All comment regarding ammonia apply equally as well here
Nitrate (NO3) Optimum levels: below 10 parts per million (ppm) total NO3 preferably zero
Some fish may tolerate well in excess of 25ppm. A reasonably harmless substance where many fish are concerned but a good overall indicator of general water quality and one that should be kept extremely low if invertebrates are to thrive. Constantly high nitrate levels usually reflect high fish stocking ratios. This must be monitored and the aquaria de- stocked if necessary stocked if necessary
Phosphates (P04) Optimum level: zero
Invertebrates do not prosper when levels of phosphate get too high. Phosphates arrive in the aquarium through unfiltered main water (used in the mixing of fresh or saltwater changes), poor quality carbon and marine salts, but mostly through the waste products of fish. Nuisance algae thrive where phosphate levels are high and destocking, high-quality water changes in the correct proportion or phosphate-removing resins can all help alleviate the problem.
Temperature 72-80 Optimum level: 25°C (77°F)
A stable temperature is essential to the well being of invertebrates and fish. Weather and lighting may force the temperature up and a cooler may have to be installed if valuable livestock is not to he lost. Always use an accurate thermometer
Magnesium: 1300 mg/l(ppm) 1280-1300ppm optimal
Iodine: Natural seawater has about .06 part per million (ppm) of iodine, including all from such as iodide, iodate, and organically bound iodine.
*Most marine aquarists maintain their aquariums with an iodine level of .06 ppm.
Strontium: Strontium is a minor element occurring in sea water at a concentration on about 8 to 10 mg/L. It is chemically very similar to calcium, and many organisms incorporate it in their skeletons along with calcium.
*Most marine aquarists maintain their aquariums with a strontium level of 8 - 10 mg/L.
PH Optimum level: 8.1-8.3
PH is a measure of the alkalinity or acidity of aquarium water. Invertebrates are sensitive to wide variations, although some natural changes are to be expected during the day. Dissolved oxygen assists in the increase of pH and as this builds tip due to activity of photosynthesis by micro and macro algae; test meters or kits will detect it. Aquarium water could drop to as low as 7.9 at the end of the night, and peak at around 8.4 just before lights out. These natural pH cycles are gradual and tend not to stress livestock to any great degree. Owing to their ingredients, pH buffers can also increase KU values to dangerously high levels. Regular water changes are essential.
(K)arbonate (H)ardness: Natural Sea water (NSW) is 7dKH For your Reef Its Suggested a range of 8-14dKH (11 being optimal)
KH is a measurement of various carbonates and bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium, and borates within fresh and sea water. A stable KH will prevent rapid declines in alkalinity and subsequent drops in pH.
Salinity Optimum level: between 1.023-1.025 (S.G.)
Salinity measures the total amount of dissolved solids in seawater. It is usually recorded as specific gravity (S.G.) but can Also be referred to as part per thousand (ppt) or 0/00 (eg 35 0/00 is 1.026). Constant evaporation of freshwater from the aquarium causes the salts to become more concentrated and the salinity to rise. To maintain stability, automatic dosing systems called osmo-regulators or osmolators are often used. These systems use conductivity meters to a very accurate level. They take their readings in micro Siemens (PS) and may be set to replenish freshwater as it evaporates
Calcium Optimum level: 350-400 ppm
Calcium is a vital element in any marine aquarium. A host of invertebrates draw it from the surrounding water in copious amounts and calcium reserves need to be replenished on a regular basis. Regular water changes may achieve this hut a well-stocked invertebrate tank may require the addition of biologically available calcium to keep levels optimum.
Dissolved Oxygen (02) Optimum level: 6-7 ppm
Both fish and invertebrates benefit greatly from high levels of dissolved oxygen. Good water circulation is the key, as oxygen is drawn mainly from the interface between air and water. Dissolved oxygen also affects ph.
Copper: Optimum levels: zero in the invertebrate aquarium; variable in the fish-only tank
Copper-based medications have proved very reliable in the treatment of various fish diseases such as white spot and Qodinium. It is, however, highly toxic to invertebrates and should never he used in aquaria housing these animals. Accurate measurement of copper is essential, as it can even prove lethal to fish at certain levels. Copper can even be introduced to the marine aquarium by way of the domestic water supply and this should he tested from time to time.
Redox Potential (ORP) Optimum level: approx 350 millivolts
Oxygen Reduction Potential is, broadly speaking, a measurement of the water's ability to cleanse itself. Highly efficient filtration and the use of ozone will help to boost values. ORP can only be measured using an electronic meter with a high quaity probe. As with many advanced" tests, ORP is not absolutely essential and the readings may be difficult to interpret without a full understanding of the multiple parameters.