Water parameter stability

[Quercus]

Hey everyone,

I've been reading that having stable water parameters is key to successfully maintaining SPS coral.

I'm wondering what level of parameter fluctuation would be acceptable for a tank to be considered 'stable' (as far as Alk, Mg, and Cal are concerned).

 

[reddog170]

The less fluctuation the better.

 

[Reef Bass]

+1

You'll find varying opinions. IMHO, as rough guidelines for use with less tempermental sps, daily changes in concentrations for alk shouldn't exceed 1 dkh, calcium 25-50 and mag more than 100-200.

Slow changes over time (days) are more easily tolerated than rapid swings (hours). Variations in mag are easiest to tolerate, followed by ca, and boy are you going to have unhappy sps if your alk is going up and down rapidly.