Testing

[schrade24]

Hello everyone,
I’m only a couple months into this wonderful hobby. I have just bought a few Hannah checkers! Can someone with more knowledge explain what nitrite, alkalinity, phosphate is and what cause what to make these levels change. Also how to make these levels right when off.
Thanks for your time!

 

[MikeReefs]

I suggest you watch BRStv on YouTube they will explain everything in detail regarding anything reef related including Phosphate Nitrate Alk Cal Mag

 

[schrade24]

I suggest you watch BRStv on YouTube they will explain everything in detail regarding anything reef related including Phosphate Nitrate Alk Cal Mag

Awesome thanks!

 

[MikeReefs]

Awesome thanks!

To answer your question about phosphate and Nitrate. It all has to do with nutrients in your system. Phosphate is the accumulation of uneaten fish food and fish poop. Nitrate is the byproduct of bacteria breaking down ammonia from those organics. They consume fish waste and food. We want to keep these levels low. We can do this by doing biweekly 20% waterchanges.
Most say the sweet spot is phos .03-.10 and nitrate 5-15. Too much of these and you get algae problems too little and you essentially starve out your bacteria and cause an imbalance

Alkalinity Cal Mag is found in your salt you use to create your saltwater. These are used by organisms in your tank such as coral and your invertebrates

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I would also take a look at these two post on R2R

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/randys-reef-chemistry-articles.174821/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Unless you are cycling still, there is no need to measure nitrite. It is always ok in an operating reef tank.

 

[56longroof]

Get this book. It has helped me. https://ebay.us/m/JP8eeN

 

[Fish Fan]

This is a pretty good primer on reef tank chemistry:


Good luck!