how clean does sps water have to be

[70Cuda]

Still testing the tank every week to try and get those target water parameters before going sps crazy. Just want to make sure my tank is as ready as can possibly be.

This is where things stand today...

Salinity 1.025
Ph 8.2
Nitrite 0
phosphate not tested today need to buy a new test kit
Nitrate 5 pmm
Calcium 440
Magnesium 1350
Ammonia 0
alk not tested need to buy a new test kit
Temperature 76

The nitrates is a cause for concern as I want to keep more sps. Have three already in the tank, but the nitrates have been in the 10 range 2 weeks ago. Am I worring to much or should something be done to get it to 0. Have been thinking maybe some carbon a few days a week might help, well carbon or cemipure as that helps with phosphate removal.

 

[Dyngoe]

Consistent, perfect water will rarely happen. If it did we would never do water changes. I've had nitrates WAY above that and my SPS did fine.

 

[A_Lee]

I am no SPS expert, but I think you're golden; your NO3 being at 5-10ppm will not harm anything.

 

[orientalexpress]

to keep sps,your tank better be establish for at least a year old ,especially for newby.start with easy stuff first, example like digitata ot monti cap to see if u can keep it alive before move on to to more difficult. gl


lapsan

 

[sfsuphysics]

Here's a question, do you have a sand bed anywhere in your system? how new is your system? getting nitrates to "zero" is more of a matter of "the test kit I have is unable to detect nitrates" and they may not in fact be zero. For instance I have "undetectable levels" of nitrates, however have no sandbed or anything else that might make you think "oh you need this for a reef tank". Sometimes having sandbeds make zero nitrates impossible, lots of factors to worry (or like me... not worry ) about

However, that being said I'd listen to Lapsan, make sure your system is stable before tossing in too many pricey sps pieces.