Create and maintain a reef tank. Here is our quick guide on a successful reef aquarium:
Calcium
Calcium is the building block for coral skeletons. The skeletons are made of calcium carbonate, which is supplied through the water column. Levels should be at 420 ppm. Coral growth will be limited if levels are below 360 ppm. Calcification will not increase at higher calcium levels, but can cause calcium to precipitate. Calcium is best added as limewater aka kalkwasser.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity is of equal importance as calcium because it is composed largely of calcium carbonate. Both, calcium and calcium carbonate, are used for calcification (coral growth). Alkalinity levels should be above 7 dKH. The rate of calcification increases with a higher alkalinity.
Both, calcium and calcium carbonate, can precipitate and usually become dominantly visible on heaters.
pH
The pH level should be adjusted to the needs of the species inhabiting the reef. Calcification slows in low pH conditions. pH should not be higher then 8.0, as higher pH can result in calcium precipitation and therefore lower calcium and calcium carbonate levels.
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Magnesium 1300 ppm (+/- 50)
Magnesium inhibits the precipitation of calcium and calcium carbonate, both of which are in a supersaturated state in a reef. Magnesium could be low or rapidly depleted if calcium precipitation is visible; or if calcium, calcium carbonate, and pH levels are hard to maintain.
Temperature
The temperature influences the solubility of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It also affects the metabolic rate of fish. The temperature should be kept at around 80 degrees.
Other values
Salinity is ideally kept at about 1.026.
Phosphate, nitrate, dissolved organics, ammonia, and nitrites should be kept at very low to undetectable levels.
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Bacteria and Antibiotics in the Aquarium
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The Aquarium Water Change
Water changes remove nitrates and pollutants from the aquarium. Water changes also replenish the aquarium with essential minerals and trace elements important for healthy fish life.
Where Does Aquarium Nitrate Come From?
Nitrate can not be avoided in aquariums. Nitrate results from the natural break down of waste inside the fish tank. Learn more about its sources and how to minimize overall nitrate.