What Parameters are important in Fish Only

[Elira_6301]

Are there any parameters I can ignore in a fish and rock only setup? Or does calcium and magnesium still apply? What's the most important parameters to check?

 

[scooterh928]

I run two fish only and I hardly check anything. Mainly salinity phos and nitrate. Mine stay low but don’t check often maybe once a month if that.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Are there any parameters I can ignore in a fish and rock only setup? Or does calcium and magnesium still apply? What's the most important parameters to check?

CA and Mag apply to corals. For fish, ignore Nitrite which is freshwater specific and nitrates up to 35 Range or below acceptable and do monitor ammonia.

 

[Kooma]

Salinity, temp, ph, nitrate. Phos I’d keep an eye on to prevent algae growth.

The rest aren’t important till you add coral.

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Honestly, you can ignore almost every parameter outside of salinity and temperature.

Phosphate and nitrate should probably be tested once in a while (can cause algae, and high nitrate is not good for fish) but regular water changes will keep both in line.

 

[Elira_6301]

OK, great! I have an Octo and rock only and was thinking some parameters wouldn't be as important. That's awesome!

 

[Elira_6301]

Salinity, temp, ph, nitrate. Phos I’d keep an eye on to prevent algae growth.

The rest aren’t important till you add coral.

I cannot for the life of me stabilize my PH. It's always at 7.9. My octo need above 8. Any suggestions?

 

[Kooma]

i manage mine through Alk and skimmer. You could test your Alk to see if it’s low.

 

[Elira_6301]

i manage mine through Alk and skimmer. You could test your Alk to see if it’s low.

Its actually 20DHK. I dont have a sump and I can't put a HOB skimmer on because risk of her escape. I notice ****** parameters after switching to Fritz salt from instant ocean.

 

[exnisstech]

PH of 7.9 is fine IME. This tank runs pH low of 7.8 with a peak of 8.0

 

[JumboShrimp]

I hope I don't sound reckless, but in my two 150 gallon FOWLRs I really only checked salinity.

 

[Elira_6301]

I feel like Im constantly worrying about my tanks. One has coral and fish which stays cloudy no matter what. I can't get my stupid Octo HOB Skimmer to work. The Diatoms won't go away. I'm just at a loss. I try everything I read here and so far no success. Parameters are perfect in the big tank. I'm annoyed about not have a crystal clear tank.

 

[KrisReef]

I feel like Im constantly worrying about my tanks. One has coral and fish which stays cloudy no matter what. I can't get my stupid Octo HOB Skimmer to work. The Diatoms won't go away. I'm just at a loss. I try everything I read here and so far no success. Parameters are perfect in the big tank. I'm annoyed about not have a crystal clear tank.

Running a UV sterilizer can greatly improve water clarity.

 

[PotatoPig]

Its actually 20DHK. I dont have a sump and I can't put a HOB skimmer on because risk of her escape. I notice ****** parameters after switching to Fritz salt from instant ocean.

Wait, your alkalinity is 20?!

 

[Elira_6301]

Wait, your alkalinity is 20?!

Yes. Idk how either. It only started after I switched to Fritz salts.

 

[Elira_6301]

Running a UV sterilizer can greatly improve water clarity.

I ordered one yesterday

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I feel like Im constantly worrying about my tanks. One has coral and fish which stays cloudy no matter what. I can't get my stupid Octo HOB Skimmer to work. The Diatoms won't go away. I'm just at a loss. I try everything I read here and so far no success. Parameters are perfect in the big tank. I'm annoyed about not have a crystal clear tank.

have you tried carbon?

 

[Elira_6301]

I do have some in my canister filter.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Now that I do not have. Let me add some!

it's pretty good at clearing up the water

 

[Elira_6301]

have you tried carbon

I have it in my canister filter. I was confused in what tank we were talking about.