The Aquarists Guide
To Starting A Home
Marine Mixed
Reef Aquarium
This guide was created
for potential aquarists
who are hoping to
keep their very own
saltwater mixed
reef aquarium.
E-BOOK as low as $37.00

The Aquarists Guide
To Starting A Home
Marine Fish
Only Aquarium
This guide is for
aquarists who are
interested in keeping
a fish only aquarium.
E-BOOK as low as $37.00

Water Parameters

Take the time to learn and understand the saltwater aquarium water parameters that are most often tested for your saltwater fish to thrive and survive!

pH and Acid

Salinity

Hardness

Nitrite

Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia into nitrite (also toxic).

Testing is essential and once you have detected its presence, you should take all the necessary steps to remove it.

High levels of nitrite 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 of this parameter for your saltwater aquarium on the chart below.

Nitrate

Nitrate is what makes an aquarium's biological filtration system function and stay in balance. Nitrite is converted into nitrate during the 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