Your one stop for reef aquarium information

Reef Aquarium Water

Reef aquarium water parameters are a bit of a complicated subject with many different views. I will touch on all the basic information you should learn.

It is of utmost importance that you invest in a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification system. Even better if it includes a deionization (DI) filter as well. You can purchase these units and install them just about anywhere. I have mine under the kitchen sink and also use the RO water for drinking and cooking which is a nice bonus.

The water that comes out of an RO/DI unit is 99% pure H2O. This is the kind of purity you want to have for your reef aquarium water. There are still some people that use tap water and declorinate it but they are destined to run into problems. There are some nasty trace elements in water that comes straight from the tap. It's nothing that will hurt us but will cause problems for your reef tank.

If you can't afford an RO/DI unit you can get RO water from most LFS or some of the major store chains will sell it.

Major Water Parameters

Here is a list of the major water parameters that should be maintained for a successful reef to stay healthy and flourish.

Calcium should be maintaind at 380 to 450 ppm (parts per million)
Alkalinity should be 2.5-4 meq/L, 7-11 dKH, 125-200 ppm CaCO3 equivalents
Salinity should be 32 ppt (parts per thousand), or 1.024 SG (specific gravity)
PH is best from 8.1 to 8.3
Temperature should kept between 75 and 80°F
Magnesium is best from 1250 to 1350 ppm
Phosphate should be no greater that 0.03 ppm and is best if below detectable limits.
Ammonia should be undetectable 0.0 ppm.
Nitrite should be non detectible or less than 0.2 ppm
Nitrate should also be less than 5.0 ppm.

I will go into more detail about how to maintain water parameters, in another section of this web site.

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Quick Tips

Always remember

Never use tap water for your reef.

You will have algae problems if you use tap water.

Maintenance

You must replace evaporated water in your reef tank.

As water evaporates the salt density rises.

Salt does not evaporate.

Use pure RO/DI water to replace evaporated water.

Auto topoff

An auto topoff unit is simply a system that automaticaly replaces evaporated water.

This is an excellet way of keeping the salinity level constant.

There are many auto topoff systems to choose from. Just research them.

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