Environmentals in a Saltwater Reef Aquarium being maintained is essential.

First #1 – Environmental –

• First #1 – Environmental – So this group works this way.
  • pH and Alkalinity – This is the first order of stability that must be mastered or all is for naught. To do this, you must first get the temperature as stable as possible, then maintain a constant Salinity / Specific Gravity, then drive to targets. So as it goes a stable temperature will yield a constantly reliable salinity/ specific gravity by controlling and maintaining the level of carbon dioxide (carbonic acid) as a constant, then dose PJS  pH- or pH+ as needed to attain desired levels.
  • Salinity – as Constant as possible, add top off daily. Next Salinity or Specific Gravity this is the concentration of salts in solution and as noted the temperature can alter readings. Just because your salinity is spot on, doesn’t mean the proper balance / ratio of each base element salts make up that salinity. Salinity is altered by temperature of the water.
  • Temperature – within a range of 3 degrees. Starting with Temperature, this has to do with the ability to carry oxygen, higher means less oxygen, lower has better saturation ability. More oxygen, less carbon dioxide or less oxygen, more carbon dioxide. Now Caron dioxide turns to carbonic acid neutralizing alkalinity and drives pH down. Temperature will also effect Salinity levels by altering the density of water.

Each is discussed in detail in the following menu options and pages.