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Zura
03/08/2016, 12:51 PM
Hey there,
I have a softies and LPS reef tank.
I would like to achieve constant growth and good coloration in my reef.
Im using Red Seas coral pro salt. According to Red Sea, If I want to achieve good coral growth, I need to have calc 465 alk 12.6 and magnesium 1390, no3 1-2, po4 0.1, but if I want to achieve good coloration, then I need to have calc 430 magnesium 1310, alk 8.2, no3 0.25, po4 0.02.

I would like to know your opinion on this matter...

Would water parameters: calc 450, magnesium 1350, alk 10, no3 - 5, po4, 0.1 be good in order to achieve good coloration and satisfactory growth?
fishchef
03/08/2016, 01:04 PM
Sounds like a plan. My 125 was mostly Softies and LPS. My NO3 could hit 12.5/25 and the PO4 could range to .1ppm. Softies don't like a low NO3 and my LPS grew like crazy in a higher nutrient system. The CA was closer to 500 and generally the Mg should be about X3 in relation to CA. As long as its stable is the most important. We had a large monti cap that grew like crazy also and it was bright green.
thegrun
03/08/2016, 04:11 PM
It really takes some experimentation as your lights are going to come into play also. I have always tended towards color over pure growth since when I have the color my growth is good. I run CA:425, Alk: 8.3dKh, Mg:1350
Zura
03/09/2016, 01:11 AM
Thank you guys:)

it would be great, if other forum users could share their parameters
Member No. 1
03/10/2016, 04:58 AM
The very best water parameters? STABLE!
As to what levels to keep stable... you will find everyone has their own opinion.

And my opinion is:

Salt - Instant Ocean - Purple box
Salinity - 1.026
Ca - 425-450 ppm
Alk - 8.5-9.0 dKh
Mg - 1375-1400 ppm
NO3 - 1-5 mg/l
PO4 - .01-.03 ppm

These work great for me.
toothybugs
03/10/2016, 06:39 AM
The very best water parameters? STABLE!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


As to what levels to keep stable... you will find everyone has their own opinion.

And my opinion is:

Salt - Instant Ocean - Purple box
Salinity - 1.026
Ca - 425-450 ppm
Alk - 8.5-9.0 dKh
Mg - 1375-1400 ppm
NO3 - 1-5 mg/l
PO4 - .01-.03 ppm

These work great for me.

Agreed on all counts, though personally I run my alk 7.5-8.