Fish-Only Water Parameters

[nguy522]

What should the water parameters of a fish-only marine aquarium be? In terms of pH, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium, and Strontium.

I know that it is possible to do water changes less often in a reef system (~every 6 months or more) under an advanced filtration setup (eg. very large sump refugium with an established DSB and protein skimmer). As long as you dose the water with the correct measurements of essential elements that a reef aquarium needs. Can the same be done with a fish-only system under the same advanced filtration setup if you plan on replenishing the water with chemicals as opposed to doing weekly or biweekly water changes?

I'd really like to know what the important chemicals are in a fish-only system and what levels i should maintain them at.

 

[dzfish17]

Welcome to RC. Why not just keep it simple and do regular water changes... you dont need to add chemicals to a FOWLR. I have a lightly stocked tank and probably change out more then needed but I like to know that my water is pristine. JMO.

 

[MrTuskfish]

IMO. The big difference is nitrate, which can be a lot higher in a FOWLR tank and WCs are the best way to keep it at reasonable level. (Say <60ppm in a fish-only tank) No reason to even test for Calcium, Magnesium, and Strontium, IMO. I've always felt that there are plenty of organics, and other chemicals that build up in any system, nothing to back it up though. I think its better to find ways to make WCs easier, rather than finding ways not to do them. (Like Brute garbage cans on wheels for mixing & storing water.)

 

[seahorsedreams]

I think its better to findways to make WCs easier[/u], rather than finding ways not to do them.

This is SO important.... for everything in this hobby.

 

[niles1967]

Buffer the water once monthly to keep the PH stable. That and a monthly water change. Thats it.

 

[reefergeorge]

Same as a reef.

I only check kh, salinity every couple weeks. Nitrates whenever I feel like it, but mine are always 10ish.