water parameters / soft coral beginner

jglas26 · 06-04-2008, 11:38 AM

I'm Just about ready to finish my reef upgrade.
I'm planning on a Xenia or some kind of Zoa first ( just depends on what's available ). I plan on an all soft coral system.

where do I want my parameters to be to get a this thing started and what else should I start testing for/adding?

chadf · 06-04-2008, 03:28 PM

Nitrates- as low as possible, preferably under 10 ppm, I won't accept anything but zero
Nitrites- undetectable
Ammonia- undetectable
Phosphate- undetectable
Alkalinity- 8-12 dKh/3-5 meqL/150-250 ppm
PH- 8.1-8.4 and stable
Salinity- 1.023-1.026
Temp- stability is most important 76-80
Calcium- 400-475 ppm

That's all I test for, before recommending anything to add see what your params are.

jglas26 · 06-05-2008, 02:25 PM

Okay, so far so good. All I know right now are the "standard parameters" ( amm 0 ,Ni 0,Na 10ppm ,Ph 8.3, 78degrees. )

I just started adding Calcium...I'm at about 375 ppm right now.

BUT OTHER THAN THAT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

No Phosphate reading yet.

One thing that I'm unclear on.....Testing for alkalinity? I though PH "IS" the balance of alkalinity / acidity? what's the diffenence?

What the hell is Carbonate hardness?!

Anyways, I plan on getting a Reef test this weekend. I should be on top of everything then. Thanks for everything so far.

chadf · 06-05-2008, 04:24 PM

Carbonate hardness is alkalinity.
PH is a different test.

bandr1002 · 06-15-2008, 10:03 PM

just thought you should know, xenia is either a great one, and you will have major success, or it will not survive in your tank no matter what.... all of the research that i have done on it states this and know one is sure as to y. if i were you i would start with the zoanthids. i would not want to see you get discouraged if the xenia did not fair well. just a thought... gl with the tank.

unclejed · 06-16-2008, 11:57 AM

Hi jglas, you can look up "carbonate hardness" on line so I won't explain that but what I will explain is that things in the tank work in synergism. Magnesium (1280-1400 mg/L) works to "hold" your calcium (380-450 ppm). Alkalinity (8-12 dkh) works to buffer your calcium and both buffer to hold PH. Also, soft corals especially need Iodine and Strontium/Molybdenum.