Table 1. Parameters critical to control in reef aquaria. |
Parameter: | Reef Aquaria Recommendation: | Typical Surface Ocean Value:1 |
Calcium | 380-450 ppm | 420 ppm |
Alkalinity | 2.5-4 meq/L
7-11 dKH
125-200 ppm CaCO[size=-2]3 equivalents | 2.5 meq/L
7 dKH
125 ppm CaCO[size=-2]3 equivalents |
Salinity | 35 ppt
sg = 1.026 | 34-36 ppt
sg = 1.025-1.027 |
Temperature | 76-83° F | Variable2 |
pH | 7.8-8.5 OK
8.1-8.3 is better | 8.0-8.3 (can be lower or higher in lagoons) |
Magnesium | 1250-1350 ppm | 1280 ppm |
Phosphate | < 0.03 ppm | 0.005 ppm |
Ammonia | <0.1 ppm | Variable (typically <0.1 ppm) |