Target Parameters for Saltwater Aquariums
Here are the acceptable ranges for most saltwater aquariums. Temperate aquariums, or those that mimic a specific biotope will differ, but for the most part these are the values you will be using as a goal point:
| Ideal | Reef Tank | Macroalgae Tank | Fish Only | |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | 0 ppm | 0-15ppm | .5-10ppm | 0-30ppm |
| Calcium | 425 | 400-450 | 400-450 | 350-450 |
| Alkalinity (meq/L) | 3.5 | 2.5-4 meq/L | 2.5-4 meq/L | 2.5-4 meq/L |
| Alkalinity dKH | 10 | 8-11 dKH | 8-11 dKH | 8-11 dKH |
| Specific Gravity | 1.025 | 1.025-1.028 | 1.022-1.028 | 1.022-1.028 |
| Temperature (F) | 79 | 73-83 | 73-83 | 73-83 |
| pH | 8.2 | 8-8.5pH | 7.8-8.5pH | 7.8-8.5pH |
| Magnesium | 1250 | 1250-1400 | 1250-1350 | 1100-1400 |
| Phosphate | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | <.5 ppm | <.5 ppm |