ph etc. readings for a marine tank what they should be?

Answer 1

Ideally, pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 76-80o, salinity 1.024-1.026, ammonia and nitrite = 0, nitrate as low as possible (definitely under 20ppm). This most closely approximates natural ocean conditions. If you're keeping only fish, the pH and salinity can go a little lower and the temperature a little higher.

When your tank is cycling, you'll see ammonia and nitrite, but these should be kept below 0.5.

If you keep corals, calcium may be another mineral you want to test for - this should be above 400ppm for good growth of those organisms that require it.

Answer 2

That depends on your aquarium and the creatures in it. They will Vary depending on who is in the tank. General guideline for salt tanks that most represents the ocean.

Critical control
Calcium 380-450 ppm (Ocean is 420)
Alkalinity 125-200 ppm CACO3 Ocean is 125
Salinity SG = 1.026 Ocean is 1.025-1.027
Temperature= 76-83 Ocean changes from 32 Degrees to 95
Magnesium 1250-1350 ppm Ocean is 1280 ppm average
PH 7.8-8.5 OK 8.1-8.3 best Ocean between 8.0-8.3
Ammonia <0.1 Ocean varies from <0.1 - <0.2
Silica <2 ppm Ocean between <.06 - 2.7Ppm
Iodine Tanks are not recommended to try to control Ocean is 0.06-0.08
Strontium 5-15 ppm Ocean is 8ppm
ORP Control is not recommended ocean is variable
Boron <10 ppm Ocean is 4.4-4.8 ppm
Iron below kit detection levels additions are ok Ocean is .000006ppm


Keeping your tank stable is the best way to have a tank. Trying to adjust PH should not be done. Having crushed corals or sands in your tank will adjust the PH to where it needs to be.

Answer 3

pH has to be higher than 8 and it will be cos your water will be hard and alkaline due to the salt mix, ammonia 0 nitrite0
nitrate and phosphate should be as low as you can get them with resins

Answer 4

8.1 to 8.4 is good,

Answer 5

good