Red Sea MAX - Weekly Reef Care; Water Quality Parameters Overview

Red Sea MAX User Manual
1.
Ammonia
As mentioned earlier, ammonia results from the
decomposition of organic matter, and from the excretory
processes of fish. It is highly toxic to marine life. In an
established aquarium, the nitrifying bacteria rapidly convert
ammonia to nitrite, nitrate and nitrogen gas, compounds with
much less toxicity to fish than ammonia itself. Ammonia levels
should not rise above 0.1 ppm.
To maintain low-to-zero levels of ammonia, combine periodic
water changes, good skimming, balanced feeding and good
maintenance.
Nitrite
Seawater makes nitrite far less toxic than fresh water does. As
an intermediate product of ammonia oxidation, nitrite
demands little or no attention from the reef aquarist.
Nevertheless, tracking nitrite can prove instructive by
demonstrating the biochemical processes at work in the
aquarium. Nitrite levels should not exceed 0.1 ppm.
Nitrate
The nitrification process ends with the production of nitrate.
Nitrate abundance usually results in the growth of algae and
potential pests such as dinoflagellates, whose growth are
spurred by nitrate. At the levels normally found in reef
aquariums, nitrates carry no particular toxicity; in fact the
zooxanthellae corals consume it as a nitrogen source.
To maintain low levels of nitrate, combine periodic water
changes, the use of a deep sand bed (DSB) and balanced
feeding.
Iodine
Both organic and inorganic iodine exist in the ocean. Their
complex involvement in various cycles still constitutes an area
of active research. Iodine predominates in two forms; iodate
(IO
3
) and iodide (I). Together, these two forms should account
for about 0.06 ppm.
Among the primary organisms in reef aquariums that "use"
iodine, you will find both micro- and macro-algae, as well as
some soft corals.
Iodine overdoses will prove highly toxic to corals. Unless you
have severe macro-algae excess and a fully stocked tank with
soft corals, use iodine sparingly if at all.
Cleaning
Since cleaning the system disrupts the inhabitants anyway,
exploit the opportunity to clean thoroughly.
Wipe down the outside of the hood and glass as well as
the transparent lens to get rid of algae and salt crests. Do
not use detergents or soap, only fresh water and a clean
rag. To clean algae from the inside of the glass, use a
sharp razor or cleaning magnets.
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