ORP Value in My Tank????
 

I just recently purchased a controller with ORP controller/monitor.

I finally got a ORP probe and my established SPS reef has a reading of 197-207 and my Ph ranges from 7.85-8.21 depending on the time. Alk is 3.89 meq/L and Calcium is 420.

This has been the last 24 hrs worth of readings,

I am wondering what is an acceptable ORP range or is there actually one???

I read through Randy's article in reefkeeping magazine and honestly still don't understand???

It takes time to break in an ORP probe in seawater. Check back in a week or two. Did you check its "calibration" ? A well run reef tank will run near 400 without ozone. Most run in the lower 300's. Fresh salt mix or a new tank will run in the mid 200's.

In general, I wouldn't focus on ORP itself as a goal, especially not when modified with oxidizers such as ozone or antioxidants such as vitamin C.

I discuss it here:

ORP and the Reef Aquarium
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

I did calibrate it in Pinpoint solution. As far as a well run reef tank, mine is nice established reef with no problems and good growth.

However, I have been running a way undersized skimmer for 3 weeks after I sold my old one, and put a new Royal Exclusiv cone on pre-order. So, I am wondering if that may be my issue, since I have been doing 30 gallon water changes every 5 days.

Anyway, I will read up on the ORP, and see what I need to do.

By the way Randy, I like your phosphate ion (PO4 -3) ion as an avatar....