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Question and Answers The Water Chemistry

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Table of Contents
Water Chemistry.............................................................................................................. 1
General Hardness gH ................................................................................................... 3
Copper ............................................................................................................................ 4
Heavy Metals................................................................................................................... 6
Trace Elements ............................................................................................................... 7
Iodine .............................................................................................................................. 8
Iron 9
Strontium ....................................................................................................................... 10
Calcium ......................................................................................................................... 11
Liquid Vitamins .............................................................................................................. 14
Fertilizers ....................................................................................................................... 15
Organic Waste............................................................................................................... 16
Ammonia (NH3/NH4) .................................................................................................... 17
Ammonia Emergency Plan ............................................................................................ 18
Nitrate (NO3) ................................................................................................................. 20
What Happens if you cant get Rid of Nitrite? ................................................................ 22
Phosphate (PO4)........................................................................................................... 23
Silicates ......................................................................................................................... 25
Oxygen .......................................................................................................................... 26
Redox ............................................................................................................................ 27
Algae ............................................................................................................................. 28
Diatom Algae ................................................................................................................. 32
Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) ............................................................................... 33
Green Algae .................................................................................................................. 35
Dinoflagellates ............................................................................................................... 36
Herbivores ..................................................................................................................... 37
pH 38
Alkalinity ........................................................................................................................ 41
Winter Warnings! ........................................................................................................... 42
Water cooling tip! ........................................................................................................... 43

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WATER CHEMISTRY
Why test the water?
Stability is one of the most important requirements for keeping
marine tanks. The only way you will be able to maintain
stability is to monitor fluctuations. You must regularly test the
chemical parameters of the water enabling you to identify
possible problems before they escalate.
When you buy a test kit ensure that it can read values as low
as you need them to be.
Never add any tested water back to the tank because many of the chemicals used
are toxic.

Where should you store your test kits?

Keep them in a cool dark spot like in the aquarium cabinet.
Dont allow any colour chart to be exposed to the light where they can fade.
Keep test kits out of reach of children, they are toxic.

Why can I get different readings using the same kit?

Check the used by date of the test kits, 1 year tops.
The varying exchange of CO2 and oxygen during the day may achieve different
readings on various tests, because of their relationships e.g. at night photosynthesis
stops which allows higher CO2 and more CO2 = lower pH.
More calcium and trace elements tend to be consumed during the day.
Try to use all the same brand of test kits if you are happy with them, so you are able
to get familiar with the product.

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QUESTIONS ON CARBONATE HARDNESS

What is carbonate hardness measured in?
German- Degrees of carbonate hardness (dKH).
To get ppm in carbonate hardness times dkH by 18.5

What should my carbonate hardness be?

Natural seawater is around 8 dKH but I recommend you aim for 15 dKH in your tank.

How do you buff carbonate hardness?

There are many buffering solutions available the best known is Kalkwasser.
Hardness shouldnt be raised more than 1 or 2 degrees a day.

What affects carbonate hardness?

Salinity, temperature and pH can effect kH.

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GENERAL HARDNESS GH
General hardness is often called total hardness, permanent
hardness or gH.
General hardness is the amount of calcium and magnesium in the
water; it is very simple to test using a gH test kit. It is important to
know whether your fish require hard water e.g. African Cichlids or
soft water e.g. Discus. Soft water is 50-100ppm while hard water
is 200ppm.
To increase your gH add aquariums salts which increase gH, to lower the gH do a water
change using softer water e.g. aged tap water. Different areas have different levels gH
in the water supply and changes in gH can shock and kill fish, so it is worth knowing
what level your tank is especially when you are buying new fish. Goldfish - 12 to 14gh
Amazons ie. Angels, tetras etc. 6 to 8gh Livebearers 12 to 14gh Mixed Community
aquarium 10gh African rift lake Chichlids 16 to 20gh Good luck and enjoy.

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COPPER
Why would you use copper?
Copper is a way of controlling disease in a fish only aquarium.
Never get copper anywhere near a reef tank.

Can you test for copper?

Yes, there are various test kits available.

What should the copper level be?

This depends on the situation of the tank.
If you are getting or have got new fish or one is sick you may keep it at 1.5.
If the tank is healthy you may have no reason to keep topping up the level.

How do you increase your copper level?

There are copper solutions available on the aquarium market that you can add
(slowly and progressively). Be careful when handling the copper.

What happens if you overdose copper?

This can kill the fish and cause big problems.

Why does the level keep dropping?

Water changes diffuse copper levels.
Protein skimmers skim it out.
Activated carbon absorbs it.
It gets absorbed into the fish and environment.
Copper levels drop as it is bonded with calcium.

How do you lower the copper level?

There are metal sponges that absorb it.
Water changes diffuse copper levels.
Protein skimmers skim it out.
Activated carbon absorbs it.
It gets absorbed into the fish and environment.

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Will a tank be safe to use for inverts after it has been run with copper?
Yes, it should be safe again once you have done several large water changes,
added a metal sponge and/or activated carbon, and run a protein skimmer plus
achieved a copper level of 0 for some weeks.
Rocks and substrate absorb copper which may be released at a late time, so it is
best not to use decorations in an invert tank that have been exposed to copper.

What will copper do to inverts?

Copper will kill most inverts.

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HEAVY METALS
How do heavy metals get in the tank?
Mostly though water changes.

What can be used to pull heavy metals out of the water?

There are various heavy metal sponges that are effective in
removing heavy metals.
Algae will pull heavy metals out of the water.
Protein skimmers.
Activated carbon and water ager.
Regular water changes.

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TRACE ELEMENTS
Why do you need to replace trace elements?
Many organisms in the aquarium use trace elements that they filter
out of the water. These trace elements help the organisms e.g.
corals to carry out functions such as grow and heal.
The elements must be replaced as they are used or the organisms
may suffer.
Some elements are lost through filtration e.g. protein skimmers and activated
carbon.
Some corals like acropora used to be hard to keep and would often die until we
started to use trace elements.
The more regular your water changes, the less important trace elements are. Water
changes reduce the need for trace element additions.
The more invertebrates in the aquarium, the more important they are.
Different inverts require different trace elements.
A skimmer will remove many trace elements.
Small regular additions of trace elements are better then large doses e.g. once a day
or so you may feed the inverts.
Check the used by date on the trace elements, and some need to be kept in the
fridge.

How do you replace trace elements?

Some trace elements are added to the tank when you feed the fish.
Water changes help to replenish them (if not filtered with R.O units).
There are many chemicals available to target replenishing various trace elements.
There are multi-purpose solutions available that are easy and effective which often
contain manganese, barium, lithium, copper, selenium, zinc and molybdenum that
are all beneficial to a reef tank.
If you start using trace elements in your established tank ensure that you start on
very light doses and slowly progress to the recommend doses.
A dosing pump or metering pump creates more stable water than adding additives
once a week.
If you create a drip doser that is diluted in R.O. water add no more than the weekly
dose so if it fails in will introduce no more than you would have added for the week
anyway. by Paul Talbot

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IODINE
Why do we need to add iodine?
I advise that you add iodine because it is beneficial to coral.
Iodine seems to help prevent coral bleaching; it aids pigmentation and
helps adept coral to change e.g. in the lighting.

How do you add iodine to the tank?

There are a variety of iodine supplements available on the market, which you add to
the tank water periodically.
Iodine is represented in most combination trace element solutions.

Can you overdose iodine?

Yes, so just follow the directions of the product that you purchase.

Should you test iodine levels?

I dont bother testing iodine levels, I just add regular supplements and judge it by the
results that I see in the tank.

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IRON
Why do we need to add Iron?
I advise that you add iron because it is beneficial to coral. Iron seems to help the
colour and growth of photosynthetic corals.

How do you add Iron to the tank?

There are a variety of iron supplements available on the market, which you add to
the tank water periodically.
Iron is represented it most combination trace element solutions.

Can you overdose Iron?

Yes, so just follow the direction of the brand that you purchase. Should you test Iron
levels?
I dont bother, I just add regular supplements.
Iron level should be about 0.05.

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STRONTIUM
How much strontium should be maintained?
Strontium is present at about 10mg/L in natural seawater.

How do you add strontium to the tank?

There are a variety of strontium supplements available on the market,
which you add to the tank water periodically.
Strontium is represented it most combination trace element solutions.

Can you overdose strontium?

Yes, so just follow the directions on the product that you purchased.

Should you test strontium levels?

It is beneficial if you test strontium, though I just add regular supplements and
ensure that the calcium levels are correct.

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CALCIUM
What is the advantage of maintaining a high calcium level?
Corals require it.
Helps promote calcareous algae.
Hampers the growth of bad algae.
Helps to precipitate phosphates.
Helps to neutralise organic and fatty acids.
Helps to maintain alkalinity and pH.
Enhances the effectiveness of protein skimmers.

What should my calcium level be?

Natural seawater is around 420 mg/L.
I recommend you keep you tank around 450 mg/L.

What is the calcium level of an average tank that doesnt add calcium?
If varies with water changes though generally about 250 mg/L.

What is calcium measured in?

It is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

How do you convert ppm to mg/L?

They are about the same reading.

How do I increase my calcium level?

There are a number of chemical products on the market that will increase the
calcium levels in the tank like kalkwasser and calcium chloride.
Dissolve any calcium substances before you add them to the aquarium.
Live rock and thick substrate beds can enhance calcium levels.
If you add calcium to the tank regularly, though the calcium level remains low the
test kit may not be picking up the type of calcium that you are adding. It can be wise
to use the same brand calcium as the test kit you are using.

What happens if I add too much calcium?

If the calcium is added too quickly it can cause the alkalinity and pH to fall.

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If too much is added sometimes the alkalinity and pH will rise and cause the calcium
to precipitate out of the water, creating a snowy look.

When should you increase your calcium level?

It is safer to add calcium early in the morning before the light is turned on or late at
night some time after the light has been turned off.
This is because the calcium may raise the pH, which will be lower at these times.

How does your calcium level drop?

The organisms in the tank use it up.
The protein skimmer may skim some of it out.
If the pH is too high it will cause the calcium to precipitate.
If you lower your salinity it can cause your calcium to drop.
Increased phosphate will lower calcium.

What is a limestone reactor?

A limestone reactor is designed to supply the water with calcium.
There are various models available.
They are certainly an option and have advantages and disadvantages.
Beware of possible phosphate and algae problems that these systems can cause.
Calcium reactors tend to be very rough on the water pumps that run them.
Calcium reactors should not be run on air bubbles because the CO2 will affect the
calcium.
Calcium reactors are best run with a CO2 unit to control pH.

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KALKWASSER
When should it be used?
As a source of top up water for evaporation.
As required when calcium level is depleted.

How much should you use at a time?

Use as little at a time as possible because it can cause a dramatic rise in the pH.
Drip by drip is the best way to add it to the tank at night. An easy drip by drip way is
to place a bottle of kalkwasser with the desired amount on top of the aquarium or
over the sump. Fill an airline with water and place the airline into the solution so the
airline siphons out the kalkwasser slowly into the tank. Always place into water flow.

When is the best time to add it?

It is best to add it at night.

What type of water should be added to make kalkwasser?

Tap water is used unless your tap water has proved to be unacceptable in which
case R.O. water may have to be used.

How do you make up kalkwasser?

Dissolve calcium hydroxide into water while stirring vigorously.
Be careful when handling it, you really should wear gloves and be careful not to
breathe it in.

When is it ready?
Once the water turns clear, after you have let it stand.

How much should I use to make up a batch?

I add about 2g per litre.

What do you do with the excess at the bottom of a fresh batch?

Simply add more water and proceed to make the next batch.
If the next batch is not made in a couple of days you should throw out the left over
and start again because it can affect your water hardness.

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LIQUID VITAMINS
Why do you need to replace vitamins?
Many organisms in the aquarium use vitamins that they filter
out of the water. These vitamins help the organisms e.g. corals
to carry out functions such as growth and healing.
The vitamins must be replaced as they are used or the
organisms may suffer.
Some vitamins are lost through filtration e.g. protein skimmers and activated carbon.
Some corals like sponges used to be hard to keep and would often die until we
started to use vitamins.
Ozone breaks vitamins down so if you run ozone, use double doses of vitamins.

How do you replace vitamins?

Some vitamins are added to the tank when you feed the fish.
Water changes help to replenish them (if not filtered with R.O units).
There are many chemicals available to target replenishing various vitamins.
There are multi-purpose solutions available that are easy and effective to use.
If you start using vitamins in your established tank ensure that you start on very light
doses and slowly progress to the recommended doses.

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FERTILIZERS
Why do you need to replace fertilizers?
In most cases you dont need to replace fertilizers because most of
them are naturally over-abundant in an aquarium e.g. Phosphate,
Nitrate, Silicates.
Others may need replacing e.g. Manganese, Iron.
The only time you may need to stress the idea of fertilizers is if you are trying to
grow an algae tank.
To a reef tank most fertilizers do more harm than good.
The main source of fertilizers to the average tank is introduced in the food fed to the
fish.

How do you replace fertilizers?

Some fertilizers are added to the tank when you feed the fish.
Water changes help to replenish them (if not filtered with R.O units).
There are many chemicals available to target replenishing various fertilizers.
There are multipurpose solutions available that are easy and effective to use.
If you start using fertilizers in your established tank ensure that you start on very light
doses and slowly progress to the recommended doses.

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ORGANIC WASTE
How do I lower my organic waste level?
Decease feeding.
Increase water changes.
Make sure the substrate is stirred regularly.
Clean the debris under decorations.
Add chemicals that increase your bacteria colony.
Increase filtration capacity.
Dont increase stock.
Add activated carbon or an organic sponge.
A large amount of organic waste can gather under objects placed in the tank so try
to ensure your reef is as porous and serviceable as possible to discourage the build
up of debris.
Ensure substrate is as thin as possible so less debris is able to accumulate.
Plants and corals contain chlorophyll and photosynthesize which consumes waste.
The more photosynthetic life such as plants or corals you have in your tank (that
consume waste), the less waste will be present.
High light will minimise NO2 and PO4 levels because the photosynthetic life in the
tank will use it more demandingly.

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AMMONIA (NH3/NH4)
WAYS TO REDUCE AMMONA.
Where does it come from?
Ammonia is a result of fish waste or decay.

What problems does ammonia cause?

Causes corals to contract.
Causes stress and respiratory problem for fish.
Lowers the fishs immune system.
Weakens the fishs body slime.
Hampers the diffusing of oxygen across the gill lining.

What levels should it be?

Always aim for an ammonia level of 0.
All established tanks should always be 0.

How do you lower ammonia?

Ammonia is broken down by the nitrifying bacteria Nitrosomonas. This bacteria will
reduce the ammonia with time as it grows. Ensure there is plenty of oxygen in the
water for the bacteria.
Bacteria enhancers can be added to speed up the growth of the bacteria such as
Bactermax
Add a 5 x dose of Prime to detoxify the ammonia.
Reduce feeding and only feed clean, high quality foods.
Regular water changes will help.
Dont add new fish when you have ammonia.
Dose up Easy-life.

When does ammonia cause the most problems?

Ammonia is most of a problem when new animals are being added to the tank, or as
a result of overfeeding.
The higher the pH, temperature or oxygen levels, the more the equilibrium is pushed
from ammonium hydroxide to ammonia gas, which is more toxic.

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AMMONIA EMERGENCY PLAN

What to do if you get Ammonia! Why do you get Ammonia?
Ammonia is a result of inadequate levels of good healthy bacteria in
the filter that is able to break down the fish waste. If you have
ammonia you have done one of these:
You feed too much
You have cleaned your filter media in tap water
You have replaced filter media
You have added too many fish at once
You have too many fish
You have disturbed your gravel that has dead spots formed in it over time
Ammonia can be created if there is not enough oxygen in the system

Ways to fix it
Add bacteria products such as Bactamax to increase bacteria level
25% water change using gravel cleaner daily till good to dilute it
Clean filter using water from the tank not water from the tap
Increase salt to at least 1g per litre to increase fish immune system
5 time dose Prime Daily till good to detox it
Stop feeding till water quality improves
Replace Poly-filter
Dose Easylife
Increase oxygen

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NITRITE (NO2)
Where does Nitrite come from?
Nitrite is a result of the breakdown of ammonia by the nitrifying
bacteria Nitrosomonas.

What problems does Nitrite cause?

Causes corals to contract.
Causes stress and respiratory problems with the fish.
Lowers the fishs immune system.
Weaken the fishs body slime.
Hamper the diffusing of oxygen across the gill lining.

What levels should it be?

Aim for 0, above 0.05 ppm is not acceptable for a reef tank and 0.1 for a fish only
tank.

How do you lower Nitrite?

The way to lower nitrite is to increase the capacity of the nitrifying bacteria
Nitrobacter.
See the question How do I lower my organic waste.
The reason why nitrite banks up higher than ammonia is that at a standard pH,
nitrosomonas is more effective than nitrobacter.

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NITRATE (NO3)
Where does it come from?
Most nitrates come from the organic breakdown of nutrients
from food.
Tap water can be a source of nitrate.
Algae such as Blue Green algae seem to raise nitrate levels if
they arent removed regularly because they store massive
amounts of it, so when they die or are eaten the nitrates are set back in to the
environment.
Some invertebrate foods may introduce nitrate.
If you run ozone on the tank this can sometimes be a cause for high nitrate.
Some salt mixes and fertilizers contain NO3.

What problems does high Nitrate cause?

Algae blooms.
Lowers pH and hardness.
Causes corals to contract.
Causes stress and respiratory problem with the fish.
Lowers the fishs immune system.
Weaken fishs body slime.
Hamper the diffusing of oxygen across the gill lining.
The effect nitrate has on coral varies from species to species.

What levels should it be?

A reef aquarium should be maintained less than 1ppm.
Above 5 ppm for a reef and 10 or 20ppm for a fish only tank is not acceptable.
If you choose to have a nitrate level of between 1ppm to 10ppm, the corals may
grow faster but remember that it will affect the pH, alkalinity and calcium level, so
ensure that they are maintained.

What effect does water changes have on nitrate?

In general water changes have a positive effect, lowering nitrate.
If your tank level is low and the water used for water changes has a higher level,
then it can create a negative effect and you may consider R.O water.

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How do you lower Nitrate?

Adding less food to the tank will help lower nitrate. Remember that the health of the
fish is more important than a bit of nitrate so dont starve them.
The use of mechanical filtration or a protein skimmer will remove much of the
organic matter that would have been broken down into nitrate.
The establishment of anaerobic zones (in the middle of the live rock or in deep
substrate) will carry out denitrification that can break down nitrate into gases.
An aquarium with established live rock alone or plus live sand should be adequate
with time to obtain little or no nitrate without an additional nitrifying filter.
Minimizing pure nitrification e.g. bio balls can lower nitrate levels.
The use of R.O water will aid nitrate reduction.
There are resin and sponges available to lower nitrate.
The use of activated carbon aids in nitrate reduction.
Growths of algae will help to lower nitrate, especially an algae bed filter.
The addition of grazing and scavenging creatures like fish and snails help to lower
nitrate because they use some of the nitrogen in the algae and debris that they
consume.
There are various denitrification filters available.
See the question How do I lower my organic waste.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CANT GET RID OF NITRITE?

When you set up a new tank you rely on good bacteria to grow to
break the ammonia into nitrite, and then on other bacteria to grow
that break the nitrite into nitrate. In some cases the first bacteria
(so called nitrosomonas bacteria) establish quickly creating nitrite,
but the second bacteria (so called nitrobacter bacteria) never
establishes, creating nitrite. This can be because a type negative
bacteria out compete the nitrobacter often by eating it.
Though it is possible that this type negative bacteria establishes naturally it is normally
created by adding large amounts of bacteria enhancing chemicals. These products are
very popular additions to a modern tank, reducing the time a tank requires to cycle.
These products are generally beneficial but depending on the brand and amount used
they can have negative effects, such as the formation of the wrong bacteria. It is best
keep these products in the fridge once you open them and to follow the dose rate
because over doses can also lead to the formation of more bacteria than can survive in
that environment. This may create cloudy water and higher levels of waste as the
excess bacteria die. All this bacteria can also lower the oxygen level as it all requires
oxygen for its respiration. It has been suggested that an over population of
nitrosomonas may evolve or morph to feed on nitrobacter, which would continually grow
to feed on the nitrite, which is the waste product of the nitrosomonas.
If you think that you are having a problem with the growth of predatory type negative
bacteria you can add a heavy dose of Easy-Life. Easy-Life is a blend of minerals with a
positive charge that will kill type negative bacteria. If you feel that the problem was
created by the unnatural growth of too much bacteria then stop adding the bacteria
enhancer. Any time that you are having a problem with nitrite, check your kH level,
reduce feeding and it is worth double dosing the tank twice daily with Prime to detoxify
the nitrite while you are addressing this problem. There is also product available to
remove the nitrite which will help buy you time such as Polyfilter.

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PHOSPHATE (PO4)
What is Phosphate?
Phosphate is important source of energy to all cells.
Phosphate is important to the symbiotic algae within the corals.
It is an organic waste that at high levels can cause problems in
a tank.

Where does Phosphate come from?

The presence of detritus.
Over feeding.
Cheap foods.
When any photosynthetic organism dies it releases a lot of phosphate.
A lot can come from tap water.
Some cheap trace elements, fertilizers, activated carbon and artificial salts can
introduce phosphates.
An amount of phosphate can even enter the tank through atmospheric dust landing
in the tank.

What problems does high Phosphate cause?

Unwanted algae.
Causes corals to contract.
Hampers calcification in corals and calcareous algaes.
Causes stress and respiratory problems with the fish.
Lowers the fishs immune system.
Weaken fishs body slime.
Hamper the diffusing of oxygen across the gill lining.

Should I be testing for phosphate?

Yes, I do recommend that you test for phosphate, especially in a reef tank.
Some people judge the level of phosphate by the amount of algae present. This
maybe passable for fish only tanks though I dont recommend it for reef tanks for
chemical reasons (e.g. increasing alkalinity). I aim for a lower phosphate level than
that which will spark algae.

What levels should it be?

It should be below 0.1ppm in a reef tank.

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Most test kits can only measure inorganic phosphates so if you are still getting algae
you may have another form of phosphate in the water. If this is the case remember
that the algae will convert organic phosphates to inorganic phosphates with time.

How do you test phosphate?

There is a variety of phosphate test kits available on the market.
Remember that they arent able to test all forms of phosphate so the level can be a
lot higher than it is reading.

How do you lower phosphate?

Increase water changes with phosphate free water.
Decrease feeding.
Add products such as phosphate sponges.
Add scavenging fish and snails.
The higher your pH, the lower your phosphate (the lower your pH, the higher your
phosphate).
Mechanical filtration removes particulate matter that may release phosphate.
Increased calcium and carbonate hardness helps to precipitate phosphate.
The presence of a protein skimmer reduces phosphate (phosphate bonds with
organic compounds and is able to be skimmed out, a skimmer also reduces the
higher level waste that is converted to phosphate).
The more aeration in the aquarium the less of a problem phosphate seems to be.
Airstones aid in the precipitation of phosphate.
Many phosphates are introduced through water changes and top-up wate
So ensure that the water that you are introducing to the tank is phosphate-free.
To lower your phosphate during water changes, it is advisable to aerate your new
water for a few days before you add it to the tank.
The use of an R.O unit for water changes and top-ups will lower phosphates.
Some brands of activated carbon can release phosphate. Rinse it first in fresh water
then soak it and check the phosphate level of the water it has been soaked in before
you try that brand in your tank.
A thick layer of substrate will ensure the accumulation of microorganisms that help
remove phosphate.
Having a lid on the tank will help to control atmospheric dust that can introduce
phosphate to the water.

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SILICATES
How do you get silicates in your tank?
Silicates are introduced to your tank though water changes and
with top-up water.
There can be concentrations of silicates in tap or seawater.

How do you remove silicates?

Silicates will be consumed with time by light brown algae called diatoms.
Silicates are a good source of nutrients of many sponges, corals and algae.

Do you need to test for silicates?

Silicates have never been enough of a problem for to worry about testing for them.
Silicates should only be a minor worry in a new tank.
The present of diatom algae is a good indicator of silicates being present.

Should I add silicates to the aquarium?

It shouldnt be required as water changes and top-up water should supply a more
than adequate amount of silicates.
The only reason I may add silicates is to supply a large quantity of sponges.

How do you stop silicates from entering the aquarium?

Use R.O water.

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OXYGEN
What effects the oxygen level?
The higher the temperature, salinity, pH or hardness the lower
the dissolved oxygen levels.
Anything that decomposes in the tank removes oxygen in the
process.
In terms of the surrounding atmosphere, the higher the altitude, the lower the oxygen
levels.

What should the oxygen level be?

O2 level should be at saturation.
Without even trying, most aquariums will have an oxygen level of 7 mg/L, which is
good.

Should you test for oxygen levels?

If the tank has good circulation (especially with a trickle filter), oxygen levels are
rarely a problem so I dont suggest you need to test them.
At 25C the oxygen level should be about 6.7 Mg/L.

How do you increase your oxygen level?

The use of protein skimmers, water pumps, airstones, oxygen reactors and surface
skimmers.

When is oxygen most of a problem?

If there is any decaying matter in the tank the oxygen level may drop to below an
acceptable standard.
If the water surface is not rapidly broken enough, the minimised gas exchange can
be a problem.
With the presence of too much organic waste.
If the temperature is too high.

Do oxygen levels change from day to night?

Yes they do however this is rarely a problem.

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REDOX
Does redox need to be tested?
Providing all the parameters in the water test out to be favourable
and the aquarium looks good with happy inhabitants, the redox is
rarely a problem. So no, it is not necessary to test redox, unless
you are using ozone in the tank.

What is redox tested with?

There are various test kits available including electronic units with digital displays
and probes.

What is redox measured in?

Millivolts.

What should the Redox level be?

350-450 mV.
This level is easily achieved in an aquarium with good circulation, a biological filter
and correct chemistry parameters.
If the redox is lower than 200 mV it may release (H2S) an extremely toxic gas.
The higher the redox potential, the higher the water purity.

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ALGAE
Why do you get algae?
Algae are a result of too many nutrients in the aquarium e.g.
nitrates, phosphate and silicates.
90% of the nutrients algae consume comes from the light, so
monitor the amount of light your tank is exposed to.
Excess algae tells you that the parameters of the chemistry in
the aquarium are not stable enough to replicate a reef environment (little algae is
found on the reef).

How do I control algae?

Ensuring that you have adequate protein skimming is the most effective way to
control algae.
Monitoring your nitrate and phosphate levels help to control algae because they are
low- level waste that feed the algae.
Carbonate-hardness helps to precipitate the phosphate levels in the water and
phosphate is a food source for algae. So the higher your carbonate-hardness, the
lower your phosphate and therefore the less algae you tend to get.
Encouraging the growth of coralline algae will limit the growth of other algae.
Keep full strength lighting e.g. metal halides on no more than 8-10hours a day.
You may have to temporarily minimise the light periods.
Ensure tubes are not too old (1years max for full spectrum, 9months for actinic).
Decease feeding.
Do more regular water changes (providing the nutrient level of the new water is
lower than the tank water).
Minimise the debris on the substrate and under the rocks.
Minimise the contact between the substrate and the rocks (areas where debris tends
to gather).
Add fish that eat algae.
One way of removing algae from a particular rock is to place that rock is to a dark
place until the algae has died e.g. in the sump or in an aerated bucket of salt water.
Increase desirable plants and coral that complete with algae for nutrients.
Dont increase stock.
Increase actinic lighting.
Decease full spectrum lighting.
Ensure that the temperature isnt above 25C because high temperature can
encourage algae growth.
Raise pH to at leased 8.4.

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Raise hardness of any new water before it is added to the tank.

Keep the salt level correct.
If you physically remove algae, placing a coral in that spot can prevent the algae
reoccurring.
Dont overdose trace elements.
The use of R.O. water can help e.g. eliminate silicates and organic waste.
Try to limit direct sunlight.
Increasing redox by adding ozone helps limit algae.
Dont use invert food if you have an algae problem.
Siphon off algae as regularly as you can.

Does direct sunlight cause algae outbreaks?

In general yes, sunlight does cause massive algae outbreaks. This is not because
the sunlight is bad, but because most aquariums contain too many nutrients that
trigger and supply the masses of algae.
The main concern of receiving direct natural sunlight is not so much for algae
reasons as for temperature problems.
If the chemistry and temperature is well-balanced in the aquarium, natural sunlight
can only be seen as a bonus. After all, this is the same light you are trying to
reproduce.
Most corals love sunlight.

Should you have algae in a reef tank?

Try to keep the amount of algae in a reef tank minimal.

Can I have seaweed in a reef tank?

Yes, you can but it can be hard to get hold of because of the restrictions on
gathering it.
Seaweed such as caliper and macro algae often grows off the live rock.
An advantage with seaweed is that it looks great and helps to consume your waste.
A disadvantage is that it grows fast and can shade the corals from the light plus it
consumes trace elements often too quickly for the corals, causing them to suffer.
Algae can release enzymes that can stunt the growth of corals, so be careful placing
corals directly downstream from a growth of algae.
Fish such as Tangs love to eat it.

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What are the advantages of having algae in the tank?

Algae consume nutrients that are abundant e.g. NO3, PO4.
It oxygenates the water.
It is a source of food for some fish and inverts.
Algae can symbolise that the environment may be unstable, so it is an indicator that
can warn you of chemical problems before it is too late e.g. raised organic levels.

What are the disadvantages of having algae in the tank?

Some algae can release toxic compounds into the water that may inhibit the growth
of corals; this is to minimize competition.
Some types look ugly.
Some grow quick, are hard to remove and can smother corals.
Algae create large fluctuations in CO2 and pH from morning to night.
If algae dies it releases a lot of nutrients back into the water.

Should I use antibiotics to get rid of algae?

It is true that antibiotics are useful to help control algae though I dont advise the
introduction of antibiotics to any aquarium especially a reef tank (It can harm inverts
and damage useful bacteria).

Should I use algaecides in my tank?

Dont for any reason add algaecides to a reef tank, they are unnatural and
unnecessary.

Why do I regularly get algae blooms after I do a water change?

This indicates that the water you are adding to the tank contains high levels of
nutrients such as phosphate, nitrate or silicates.
In this case it is advisable to try R.O water.

Why does my algae bloom for a while then die off quickly?
Algae feed on nutrients so when the nutrients run out, the algae dies.
Algae store large concentrations of nutrients, which get released back into the water
again when the algae dies. The presence of the nutrients that have been returned to
the water again will re-spark a new algae outbreak.
The type of algae growing in your tank also changes as the tank goes through
chemical phases so this may explain the appearance of blooms.
Algae blooms tell you that your environment is chemically unstable.

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Why do I get brown algae in my new tank?

See the question What are Diatoms.

What common types of bad algae are there?

Blue-green algae or Slime algae (cyanobacteria).
Diatoms.
Filamentous algae.
Red hair algae.
Bubble algae.
Brown algae.
Red algae.
Dinoflagellates.

Should you add algae to a tank for decoration?

Some tanks are set up with higher nutrient level that are designed for algae. These
tanks can look great but be selective towards any coral that you wish to add.
It is not always a good idea to put well-established algae in to your reef aquarium.
This is because you may not be able to accurately reduplicate the environment that
it requires, so it may die, if it dies it will release a huge amount of nutrients in to the
water.
If your tank lacks algae and you know your fish e.g. Tangs will appreciate it then
there is little harm in having it.

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DIATOM ALGAE
What do Diatoms look like?
This is a light brown alga that forms mainly in the tank in
the very early stages. (Large amounts of diatoms can
release nutrients that may cause an odour in the
aquarium).

What do diatoms feed on?

Diatoms feed on the silicates in new water.

How do you get rid of diatoms?

The Diatoms die off once they run out of silicates to feed on.
Snails love to eat diatoms.
Never introduce new stock to a tank infested with diatoms.
Ozone helps limit diatoms. See the question

How do I get rid of algae? Why do diatoms bloom?

Diatoms can return if you do a large water change.

How long do diatoms live?

They have a short life.

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BLUE-GREEN ALGAE (CYANOBACTERIA)

What do Blue-Green algae look like?
Blue-green algae often look like a coloured mat of messy jelly.
It can be green, brown or red.
It often accumulates air bubbles under the surface of a patch of it.
Some blue-green algae live in a symbiotic relationship with sponge corals. They are
said to provide the sponge with nutrients and protect it from UV radiation.

When is it most of a problem?

Normally forms as the strain of algae after the diatoms disappear.
It is common after new stock has been added to the tank.

How do you get rid of blue-green algae?

See the question How do I get rid of algae?

How long does it live?

It has a short life. Questions on red slime algae

What is red slime algae?

It is cynobacteria that looks like a red mess of slime.
Is harmful to the other organisms in the tank.

How do you get rid of it?

This is a major pest in the aquarium; sometimes the only way to avoid this is to
mechanically remove red slime algae as soon as you notice it.
Can be hard to get rid of.
Slime algae can thrive in high or low light.
Nothing seems to eat slime algae.
With correct management this algae will go with time.
If you increase the amount of actinic lighting and even decrease full spectrum lights
over the aquarium this can help to reduce this form of algae.
See the question

How do I rid algae? When does it commonly break out?

It can break out for what seems like no apparent reason.

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It is less common in aquariums with live rock.

This alga is the result of a phase the aquarium is going though due to a specific
amount of nutrients in the water.
Often occurs if the tank is stocked up too quickly.
It is important not to add any new stock to the tank while you have the red slime
alga.

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GREEN ALGAE
What are green algae?
Green algae e.g. bubble algae often grow on corals.
Bubble algae can be removed by hand or with scissors
The presents of coralline algae help prevent the formation of
bubble algae.

When do you get green algae?

This algae is most common after the blue/green slows down.
They often start about 2 months after the tank is established.

How do you get rid of green algae?

See the question How do I rid algae?

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DINOFLAGELLATES
Is it bad for the tank?
Dinoflagellates can be toxic to fish and inverts.

What do they look like?

Dinoflagellates can look like someone has blown their nose into
the tank.

How do you get rid of it?

Raising the pH to 8.4 helps kill dinoflagellates.
Cut down (l only of what it was) or cut out light hours.
Lower phosphates.
Siphoning it out helps.
Ozone helps.
UV sterilizers help.
Minimise feedings and temporarily stop trace elements.
See the question How do I rid algae?

What eats it?

Nothing should be encouraged to eat it because most things become sick and die.

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HERBIVORES
What eats algae is a saltwater tank?
Tangs, blennies, nudibranches, sea urchins, starfish and of
course snails.

What algae do they eat?

Some algae eaters only tend to eat particular types of algae e.g. filamentous algae.
Some eat a lot of species of algae even calcareous algae.
Others only eat algae as a supplementary part of the diet.
Tangs prefer filamentous types of algae while surgeons will eat many different types.
Hermit Crabs are great to aid the control of filamentous algae.
Snails and abalones are great.
Blennies e.g. The Jeweled Blenny (Salarias Fasciatus) is about the best algae
eating fish but it feeds only on algae so it may starve if the algae runs out. Some
blennies also eat coral so be careful.
Sea urchins feed on algae even calcareous algae but not filamentous types.
Small Angels eat filamentous algae.
Large Angels eat algae but may also eat corals, sponges and feather duster worms.
Populations of amphipods help control algae.
Starfish eat algae.

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PH
Why test pH?
It is important to keep the pH of your tank at the level that
the fish you choose to keep require. This gives them the
best chance of adapting and surviving.
The pH of the water has a direct relationship to many other very important chemical
processes that occur in the aquarium.
If the water is too acidic it will burn the fish.
If the water is to alkaline, it will affect the fish and will cause the organic-waste to be
unnecessarily toxic.
Correct pH creates a more comfortable environment for the inhabitants.
pH effects the amount of free carbon dioxide in the water, around 8.2 the tank
should have 0.6% CO2 which is good.

When should I test for pH?

Stable pH should be checked about once a week.
If you are adjusting the pH test it daily.

How can you keep the water alkaline?

The best way is to monitor the water on a regular basis and add chemical buffers
regularly.
Ensure that the chemistry of top up water and water change water is as hard as the
tank.
More oxygen increases alkalinity more carbon dioxide makes the water more
acidic.
Minimise biological nitrification because it gives off nitric acid.
Increase denitrification because this aids in hardening the water by releasing
carbonates e.g. in the coral sand.
Maintain low phosphate levels.
Maintain high calcium levels.
Dont have an excessive, over-sized protein skimmer.

How do you change the pH of a saltwater tank?

There are products available that will decrease the pH in a saltwater tank.
To increase the pH in a salt-water tank, use buffers.
The chemicals should be added gradually and the change monitored.

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What is the pH equilibrium?

The pH is determined by the amount of
Hydrogen ions (H+) that make the water acid.
Or hydroxide ions (OH-) that makes the water alkaline.
Neutral pH has 7 of each ion.
pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14.
If the number is lower than 7 the water is acidic.
If the number is higher than 7 the pH is alkaline. Each change in number equals a
multiple of 10 e.g. 9 is ten times more alkaline than 8. That is why pH is measured in
points to enable you to be more accurate e.g. 8.2.

Why does the tank become acidic?

Metabolic waste from the fish and inverts will lower the pH.
CO2 e.g. produced by the fish will lower the pH.
Any food introduced to the tank will lower the pH.
The presence of phosphate, nitrate or any other organics will lower the pH.
Any decay that takes place in the tank will make the water more acidic.
If you conduct water changes with water that contains a lower pH than the tank, this
will make the pH more acidic.

Why does the tank become alkaline?

Any calcareous substances will somewhat heighten alkaline levels.
If you conduct water changes with water that contain a higher pH than the tank, this
will make the pH higher.
Any photosynthetic life in the tank will consume CO2 and release oxygen, aiding in
creating alkaline conditions.
If you add top up water with a higher pH.

What pH Levels should I keep the tank at?

Fish only saltwater and new reef tanks should be kept at 8.0 to 8.2.
Reek tanks about 8.2 to 8.5.
In a well-established reef tank 8.5 is a good pH, it will help lower phosphate and
algae problems.

What are the advantages of higher pH e.g. 8.4?

Reduced algae formation.

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Lower phosphate levels.

Allows higher alkalinity levels.
Allows higher calcium levels.
Higher calcification.

Why is my pH different in the morning to at night?

This is because during the day the photosynthetic life in the tank e.g. algae consume
the carbon dioxide, which will allow the pH to rise.
At night, the photosynthesis stops and the carbon dioxide level is able to rise. The
raised carbon dioxide level drops the pH again.
This is rarely a problem to the organisms in the tank.
It is believed that the natural fluctuation of pH stimulates higher alkalinity and
calcium levels. This is because the low pH that is achieved at night will cause the
calcareous substrate to break down and release calcium at a higher rate.
It is not uncommon for a reef tank to have a pH of 7.9 at night and 8.4 during the
day. How do you minimize pH fluctuations from day to night?
Ensure that the hardness and calcium level of the water is maintained high.
Algae bed filters that are run at night can stabilise this effect.

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ALKALINITY
What is the alkalinity measured in?
Metric- Miliequivalents per liter (meq/L).

What should my alkalinity be?

Natural seawater has an alkalinity of about 2.5 but I recommend you aim for around
3.2. in your tank.

What is the difference between Carbonate hardness and alkalinity?

Carbonate hardness test kits specifically measure the amount of carbonates in the
water.
The alkalinity tests for anything that will increase the hardness of the water.
To convert metric to dKH multiply metric by 2.8 to receive dKH.

How do you buff alkalinity?

There are many buffering solutions available an the market (the most known is
Kalkwasser).
Liquid buffers are better than powders, and powder is a better then tablet form.
Only add a small amount at a time because drastic increases can do more harm
than good.
It is best to place the solution is a drip system, metering or dosing pump to slowly
and evenly disperse the buffer into the water.

What effects alkalinity?

Salinity, temperature and pH can effect alkalinity.

What are the advantages of high alkalinity?

A reef environment requires a high alkalinity reading to grow and thrive.
It helps to provide stable pH by offering buffering capacity.
Correct alkalinity aids calcification.
High alkalinity helps to precipitate phosphate.

What are the disadvantages of high alkalinity?

The higher the alkalinity the more toxic any present ammonia will be. by Paul Talbot

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WINTER WARNINGS!
You must be very careful when doing water changers in winter
because the water out of the tap can be very cold! It is important
to preheat the water before you do a water change otherwise you
risk giving the fish a cold flush, which will stress them and may
result in white spot disease. If you are unable to preheat the water
never do more than a 10% change, this should be small enough to
dilute the temperature and no be a problem. Make sure your
heater is always on! Many people turn their heaters off in summer,
which is ok but they may forget to turn it on as it gets colder. For
this reason I suggest having your heater on all year. The heater
has a thermostat so will only come on when the temperature falls
below what it is set for. As it gets colder keep an eye out for white
spot disease, which is very common due to falling temperature at night. It is a good idea
to have white spot medication on hand all the time because the earlier it is treated the
more effective it is.

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WATER COOLING TIP!

Keeping your temperature and salt level down! If you have a
problem with high temperatures in your aquarium, if you dont
have a chiller it is a good idea to freeze R.O or aged water in
large blocks that can be added to the tank or sump to replace
the large amounts of evaporation in the heat. This way you are
able to lower your temperature, top up your tank and lower
your salinity all in one go!
The cooling affect transfers much better to the water from
defrosting water than it does from a sealed frozen bottle.
Blowing air across the surface of the water with a fan can help lower temperatures too!

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