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wwest
07-27-2006, 07:31 PM
ok i test my levels tonight and this is what i got

the three were at 0
CAL @ 500
ALK 1.6
PH 7.8
P04 0.1

i am treating for the ALK and the PH tonight when the lights go out. but my question is. i would like to know the levels that a reef tank should be at. my quick referance of levels i guess is not right

i know
CAL 450
PH 8.4 ?
P04 0
Iodine 0.6 ?
KH 115 ?

Also what is the suggested level for magnesium?

thanks in advance

Amphibious
07-27-2006, 08:35 PM
I'm not going to get out the text book on this but speak from experience.

You seem to understand your numbers pretty good since you are adjusting them. The level of Magnesium in natural sea water is 1285ppm. There is a link between Magnesium levels and Calcium and Alk. Magnesium is very important in our aquariums and is depleted in the process of calcium utilization by our corals, clams, snails as they absorb calcium out of the water. So it's necessary to test and supplement to replenish it.

I recommend getting a good magnesium test kit and testing to find out where your Magnesium levels are.

Dick

wwest
07-27-2006, 08:40 PM
what should all the levels be in a reef tank?

pham411
07-28-2006, 08:10 PM
what should all the levels be in a reef tank?

well this is what i test and strive for in my tank.
CAL @ 400-450
ALK 8-13
PH 7.9-8.1
P04 strive for 0
nitrates strive for 0
magnesium 1200-1300