Has there been much of a shift in thinking around “ideal” reef parameters since BRS published the chart below? I’m slowly leaning more SPS-heavy, but I’d also like to add a couple more fish to what’s currently a pretty lightly stocked system.
I was hoping to get some feedback on whether my current parameters make sense for that direction.
Notes:
I can run daily automatic water changes and increase frequency if needed. I also have a skimmer sitting idle that I pulled offline due to low fish load and low nutrients, but I can put it back on if it makes sense.
I use Tropic Marin Pro salt. I mix large batches and store it because I like how clean it mixes and how little residue it leaves behind. That said, I know it mixes to around 7.0 dKH, so I’m aware I’ll likely need to supplement alkalinity if I want to run higher.
Below is where the tank is currently at. I’m very aware of the whole “stability vs. chasing numbers” debate, so I’m not looking to micromanage swings. I just want to make sure my targets are reasonable for SPS while staying realistic.
Current parameters:
Does this look like I’m on the right track for transitioning toward SPS, or are there any red flags or priorities I should address first?
I was hoping to get some feedback on whether my current parameters make sense for that direction.
Notes:
I can run daily automatic water changes and increase frequency if needed. I also have a skimmer sitting idle that I pulled offline due to low fish load and low nutrients, but I can put it back on if it makes sense.
I use Tropic Marin Pro salt. I mix large batches and store it because I like how clean it mixes and how little residue it leaves behind. That said, I know it mixes to around 7.0 dKH, so I’m aware I’ll likely need to supplement alkalinity if I want to run higher.
Below is where the tank is currently at. I’m very aware of the whole “stability vs. chasing numbers” debate, so I’m not looking to micromanage swings. I just want to make sure my targets are reasonable for SPS while staying realistic.
Current parameters:
- Alkalinity: 7.1
Should I slowly raise this toward ~8.0 or slightly higher, or stay closer to natural seawater levels? - Nitrate: 21.5
I had been dosing nitrate previously to keep nutrients detectable. With the shift toward SPS and plans to add a couple more fish, I’ve reduced that dosing and nitrate is now naturally trending downward. My goal is to let fish load and feeding do more of the work and then hold it in a lower, stable range. - Phosphate: 0.15
I understand zero is bad, but I also don’t want this creeping too high. I was thinking a target range of ~0.06–0.20 as a buffer. - Magnesium: 1500
I was dosing Mg but have stopped and am letting it fall naturally. This has been stubborn to fall though. - Calcium: 480
This crept up on me while dosing. I’ve adjusted and am aiming to keep it around 420–450.
Does this look like I’m on the right track for transitioning toward SPS, or are there any red flags or priorities I should address first?
