Mackreefer
New member
Hello, I'm new to the reef hobby. Besides the obvious like temperature and salinity, what are the most important parameters to monitor for soft and lps tank? Do I really need to monitor everything? Thanks.
Most important parameters to monitor
- Thread starter Mackreefer
- Start date
AlSimmons
New member
Not necessarily, but being that Alkalinity, Calcium & Magnesium are all kind of intertwined, yes. Monitoring your nutrients in the form of Nitrates & Phosphates is kind of important too though. (for the best results)
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm
Last edited:
Tanthaitrung
New member
Welcome to RC 
I don't know, how old your tank. In my experience, weekly, you should test and keep them under control:
Big 3:
Magnesium: ~1320ppm
KH: ~9dkh
Calcium: ~420ppm
For soft & LPS:
Nitrate: <5ppm
Phosphate: <0.1ppm
I don't know, how old your tank. In my experience, weekly, you should test and keep them under control:
Big 3:
Magnesium: ~1320ppm
KH: ~9dkh
Calcium: ~420ppm
For soft & LPS:
Nitrate: <5ppm
Phosphate: <0.1ppm
Ron Reefman
Active member
As a start up tank, Ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. At least until you know the tank is cycled.
After that, nitrate just to be sure.
Once you have stony corals that are growing, alk, Ca & Mg.
Phosphate is very hit or miss IMHO. Some kits do it OK, some not very well. I gave up testing for it a long time ago.
After that, nitrate just to be sure.
Once you have stony corals that are growing, alk, Ca & Mg.
Phosphate is very hit or miss IMHO. Some kits do it OK, some not very well. I gave up testing for it a long time ago.
RobZilla04
Active member
^ This
Early on (during cycle) monitor Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates. After the tank cycles you'll want to monitor pH, Nitrates, and Phosphates. If you used base rock (particularly limestone) it will leach trapped nutrients and cause algae (bubble, GHA, etc.). Use GFO or another method to export these. During this time, stick with soft corals, fish, and a CUC. Once you've got an established tank, nitrates and phosphates should remain in check depending on feeding and tank maintenance. As the tank ages and you get into LPS/SPS, it is imperative to monitor Alk, Cal, & Mag. Increased water changes may become necessary to keep up with the usage of these nutrients. Dosing is another option.
This is my experience. Hope its is helpful.
Early on (during cycle) monitor Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates. After the tank cycles you'll want to monitor pH, Nitrates, and Phosphates. If you used base rock (particularly limestone) it will leach trapped nutrients and cause algae (bubble, GHA, etc.). Use GFO or another method to export these. During this time, stick with soft corals, fish, and a CUC. Once you've got an established tank, nitrates and phosphates should remain in check depending on feeding and tank maintenance. As the tank ages and you get into LPS/SPS, it is imperative to monitor Alk, Cal, & Mag. Increased water changes may become necessary to keep up with the usage of these nutrients. Dosing is another option.
This is my experience. Hope its is helpful.
