Aquarium Guidelines
Essential knowledge for every marine fish keeper. Follow these guidelines to give your fish the best chance of a long, healthy life.
Maintaining correct water parameters is critical for the health and survival of your marine fish. Test your water regularly and keep all values within the recommended ranges below.
| Parameter | Recommended Range | Ideal Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 24°C – 27°C | 25.5°C | Stability is more important than exact value |
| Salinity | 1.020 – 1.026 SG | 1.025 SG | Use a refractometer for accuracy |
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 | 8.3 | Test in the morning for most accurate reading |
| Ammonia (NH3) | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | Any level is dangerous — act immediately |
| Nitrite (NO2) | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | Indicates uncompleted cycle |
| Nitrate (NO3) | Below 20 ppm | Below 5 ppm | High levels stress fish |
| Alkalinity (dKH) | 8 – 12 dKH | 9–10 dKH | Critical for coral systems |
| Calcium | 380 – 450 ppm | 420 ppm | Important for reef tanks |
| Magnesium | 1250 – 1350 ppm | 1300 ppm | Supports calcium stability |
| Phosphate (PO4) | Below 0.05 ppm | 0 ppm | High levels cause algae blooms |
| Dissolved Oxygen | 7–8 mg/L | 8 mg/L | Good flow and surface agitation helps |
Tips
- •Test water at least twice a week, especially in new tanks
- •Always use RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionized) water
- •Never add tap water directly to your tank
- •Drip acclimate all new fish for minimum 45–60 minutes
- •Change 10–15% water weekly to keep parameters stable