I was just wondering what the perfect chemistry would be for a 30 gallon saltwater tank. I did a water test today and my Salinity is at 1.025, the Ph.8 Ammonia 0.50 Nitrite 0 Nitrate 10. is this ok or what do i need to do? I am new to the water chemistry thing and want to make sure that my tank has a chance to make it..
what is the best Water chemistry for a 30gal saltwater Tank?
- Thread starter Tooantuh
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JCR's Reef
New member
Here is a very good link that will help you out now and in the future.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/chemistry.php
How long has it been set up? It will take a couple of weeks for your tank to cycle which is why I asked. After it cycles your levels will balance out and your Ammonia should be 0, Nitrite0, and Nitrate0.
Ideally youre SG is fine, Ph is okay (8.2 is Ideal), Ammonia is bad(dont want any at all) Nitrite is perfect, and Nitrate is tolerable by alot of species of fish and inverts.
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/subject/chemistry.php
How long has it been set up? It will take a couple of weeks for your tank to cycle which is why I asked. After it cycles your levels will balance out and your Ammonia should be 0, Nitrite0, and Nitrate0.
Ideally youre SG is fine, Ph is okay (8.2 is Ideal), Ammonia is bad(dont want any at all) Nitrite is perfect, and Nitrate is tolerable by alot of species of fish and inverts.
I just filled the tank last night. I thought that I would check the water chemistry before i started the cycling process to see if anything was too high like the salinity, and the ph and things and if they were i was going to try to fix it alittle before starting the cycling. Thank you for the help and the thred !
LornaS
livin on the salty side
I agree, there is not much point in taking parameters other than ammonia and nitrite during the cycle. The alk and ph will fluctuate somewhat during this time but will balance out once the cycle is complete. You need something to start the cycle such as Phil's suggestion of a shrimp or you can use fish food or if you have live rock it may just start the cycle for you.....good luck and keep us posted.... Welcome to the salty side of life
I started the cycling process last night with 4lbs of rubble that I bought from the Pet Store on Maplecrest and Stelhorn. The guy there said that would be fine to cycle the tank. What I was looking into doing was to creat a mini version of the Great Barrier Reef. I have been researching and doing my homework on the types of fish and coarls and species that live and dwell there. The guy at the Pet Store told me if i wen t that way I would have to look into Indonesian coral and species to achieve that. So there I go again more homework to study and learn about 
I want to do a barebottom tank, my father told me to think about a sand bed and then later do a bare botton. My father(Smithppa) has a few tanks. I got him started in the fish world, when a friend of mine was helping a friend of his move, I also helped . The guy gave me 2 30gallon tanks with the basic set up and I gave them to my father to enjoy. He really loves this hobby and I wanted to start one of my own so that I could grow some Sps, coral, and some really neat things, I when I am complete in doing so I plan on giving that tank back to him for his enjoyment.
I want to do a barebottom tank, my father told me to think about a sand bed and then later do a bare botton. My father(Smithppa) has a few tanks. I got him started in the fish world, when a friend of mine was helping a friend of his move, I also helped . The guy gave me 2 30gallon tanks with the basic set up and I gave them to my father to enjoy. He really loves this hobby and I wanted to start one of my own so that I could grow some Sps, coral, and some really neat things, I when I am complete in doing so I plan on giving that tank back to him for his enjoyment.
