water parameters and recommendations for softies

[rsw21282]

Hi reefers, I am new to the aquarium world and have recently set up a newish saltwater reef tank. My tank has been up and cycled for about 2.5 months and had fish in for about a month(yellow tang, 2 clowns, 2 firefish, 2 cardinals and a goby). I recently added a xenia tree and a zoa. My question is what parameters should i focus on for good coral health/growth? have read a vast array of things to focus on, seems universal that alk and cal are the two most important, however mixed reviews for others such as mag and phosphates. So what do you test for? Also does anyone have and products they recommend to add, such a multivitamin type products. I would appreciate any recommendations for test kits, additives, etc. that will help keep my coral healthy and growing.(open for recommendations for fish as well.

72 gal bowfront, 165 leds, all my levels currently test for are good.
amonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate less than 10ppm, ph 8.3

 

[pyithar]

salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, pH, temperature, and phosphate.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

^^^check it out.

 

[3dees]

it's a good idea to test, but don't get too worried. softies don't need much. most will do fine with regular wc's.

 

[urbanrat84]

Regular water changes and waste removal
Calcium addition - softies do need this
Seachem Trace Plus - have never dosed anything in the years previously and have noticed increased polyp extension

Check out the table summary in this article for optimum water parameters: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

Try to keep your parameters where they are now, looking good.

 

[GKorals]

As long as you do regular water changes everything will be perfect. I have a super packed frag tank and haven't checked levels in forever. Just biweekly water changes with clean water and good quality salt.