What should my water be like?

[ThatAquariumKid]

To keep healthy SPS corals, what should my water qualities be like. should it be very clean or can my phosphates be a little higher. also should i use a bio pellet reactor. sorry i am very new to this. any help is needed and appreciated. thank you.

 

[Nanook]

Here is a good discussion on calcium, alkalinity and magnesium:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1179702

For the other parameters:

SG 1.025-1.026
Temp 76-80
Nitrate < 10ppm
Phosphate less than 0.06

Main thing besides low nutrients is stability where your BIG 3 (Alk, Cal, Mag) are concerned. Fluctuations in the alkalinity level spells doom for acropora. SPS are creatures of habit and like consistent parameters.

 

[Nanook]

Being new, I wouldn't recommend a biopellet reactor. I would just limit fish and don't overfeed. You can always remove phosphate with granular ferric oxide (GFO). Water changes and limited feedings will keep nitrate levels lowered.