Basic Reef Chemistry Chart: Know your levels

revhtree · Nov 29, 2013

chart image via reefaquarium.com

GoTakeANap · Nov 29, 2013

Great Chart my friend. Im about to print this out. I have a question for you thou. I set up a new tank 2 weeks ago. I used LS and has LR in there. When I tested the water it showed Ammonia. It has gone down to nothing. This is throwing me off thou. I tested Nitrites and it hasn't shown any of this period. Nitrates tested at 5 one day and hasn't shown anything on the test since that one day. I'm never had Nitrites and Nitrates not show before. Is my cycle over or is this common when using LS with good bacteria in it? I'm kinda confused and don't know weather to proceed or wait a few more weeks.

skinz78 · Nov 29, 2013

Very nice well done list!

MarkCarpenter · Dec 1, 2013

Hi
Don't know if its just a typo but the max level of phosphates seems to be a bit high. It might lull a newbie into thinking that 0.5 was high but still acceptable. If it was at 0.5 they would probably be having algae issues and may disregard their level of 0.5 as being the issue causing it. Personally I think 0.05 is a maximum level, but as you say in your notes undetectable is best. :smile:

Usctom · Dec 1, 2013

I'm going to send this to my friend. I get weekly texts from him asking about his parameters. Going to make my life alot easier.
Thanks

MarkCarpenter · Dec 1, 2013

Probably ok

Brokendeck said:
Great Chart my friend. Im about to print this out. I have a question for you thou. I set up a new tank 2 weeks ago. I used LS and has LR in there. When I tested the water it showed Ammonia. It has gone down to nothing. This is throwing me off thou. I tested Nitrites and it hasn't shown any of this period. Nitrates tested at 5 one day and hasn't shown anything on the test since that one day. I'm never had Nitrites and Nitrates not show before. Is my cycle over or is this common when using LS with good bacteria in it? I'm kinda confused and don't know weather to proceed or wait a few more weeks.

I know someone who did exactly the same as you and his test results were exactly the same. He added fish and everything was fine. I guess you and he just got lucky with having the right amount of bacteria contained within the live rock and sand. Just take it easy when starting to add fish though and keep testing.