Here is a graph I generated showing the process of the nitrogen cycle in my tank to date. Note that the x axis is not to any particular scale as I don't test at regular intervals. Still, it shows all tests going in the right direction, towards 0.
Today I got another set of tests for the reef aquarium. Once corals have been added to the tank, it is important to keep levels of calcium high in the water so that they can create their skeletons. It is also important to keep the carbonate hardness of the water level (also known as alkalinity) high to make this calcium accessible to the corals and buffer against pH swings. The third test measures phosphates, which form from animal waste and precipitate calcium, making it unavailable to be used. Phosphates can also serve as fertilizer for algae growth. To summarize, I am looking for calcium levels between 400 and 500ppm, KH at 140 to 215ppm, and no signs of phosphate.
Todays Parameters:
Temperature: 81F
Specific Gravity: 1.026
pH: 8.0
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 20ppm
Phosphate: 0ppm
Calcium: 480ppm
KH: 179ppm
I must say I'm surprised at how well everything has gone so far. The water levels above, aside from a slightly low pH, could probably sustain coral growth quite well. With ammonia and nitrite undetectable, the tank is ready to be populated. I am going to hold off at least another week before stocking, while I finalize the list of corals and fish I want to keep in my tank. I also need to upgrade my lighting fixture to metal halide before I can order any coral. Another week or two with the snails and hermits should help the tank to slowly prepare itself for these additions.
Today I got another set of tests for the reef aquarium. Once corals have been added to the tank, it is important to keep levels of calcium high in the water so that they can create their skeletons. It is also important to keep the carbonate hardness of the water level (also known as alkalinity) high to make this calcium accessible to the corals and buffer against pH swings. The third test measures phosphates, which form from animal waste and precipitate calcium, making it unavailable to be used. Phosphates can also serve as fertilizer for algae growth. To summarize, I am looking for calcium levels between 400 and 500ppm, KH at 140 to 215ppm, and no signs of phosphate.
Todays Parameters:
Temperature: 81F
Specific Gravity: 1.026
pH: 8.0
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 20ppm
Phosphate: 0ppm
Calcium: 480ppm
KH: 179ppm
I must say I'm surprised at how well everything has gone so far. The water levels above, aside from a slightly low pH, could probably sustain coral growth quite well. With ammonia and nitrite undetectable, the tank is ready to be populated. I am going to hold off at least another week before stocking, while I finalize the list of corals and fish I want to keep in my tank. I also need to upgrade my lighting fixture to metal halide before I can order any coral. Another week or two with the snails and hermits should help the tank to slowly prepare itself for these additions.
Labels: Chemistry, Parameters, Reef Aquarium
