What are the key aquarium parameters for marine tanks?

Saltwater aquariums are extremely varied, from complex coral reef aquariums to simpler fish tanks for tropical fish breeds. Carefully monitoring the parameters of your specific tank is vital for the growth of coral and the health of fish and plant life.

What should you use to measure saltwater in aquariums?

Hanna are the experts in monitoring testers and meters for aquariums. Our Checkers range includes a wide selection of different key parameters for measuring reef fish tanks, with an easy-to-use design and practical operation. In contrast to test strips and chemical testing kits, Checkers provide a clear, digital readout of your results, requiring no guesswork or personal perception to determine the outcome of testing.

What are the key parameters to measure in marine tanks?

Marine tanks contain a wide array of different fish species and plant life. Accurate monitoring provides the insight necessary to balance and manage the saltwater within these aquariums, preventing them falling outside of the correct levels for optimal coral and fish health. 

The key parameters to measure in reef and saltwater aquariums include:

• pH: the pH level of an aquarium determines has acidic or alkaline the water is. In most cases, marine aquariums should be between 81.-8.4 pH.
• Ammonia: this parameter is produced by waste within the aquarium, and levels should be kept to a minimum to prevent health problems.
• Nitrite: this parameter is a highly toxic product of the nitrogen cycle, requiring careful management within marine tanks.
• Nitrate: this parameter is also produced as part of the nitrogen cycle, and is not directly harmful - but indirectly can lead to algal bloom, reducing available oxygen.
• Phosphate: this parameter is vital in the growth of corals, though too high levels can accelerate the growth of algae
• Alkalinity: this parameter in the correct levels acts as a buffer, preventing fluctuations in pH that could potentially be harmful
• Magnesium: this parameter is consumed by coral, with an optimal level required to allow them to grow successfully within a reef tank
• Calcium: coral skeletons are made from calcium carbonate, requiring a steady level for nutrition in saltwater aquariums.

Additional parameters such as iodine, iron and silica can all be measured using Hanna Checkers for specialised marine aquariums as and where required.

What is the ideal parameter range for my marine tank?

The parameter requirements for your marine tank are as diverse as the fish and plant life within your aquarium. These guidelines provide a starting point for the basic parameters, which you can use to research the specific parameters necessary for your fish, coral and invertebrates.

For the ideal parameter range for freshwater aquariums, read our guide here.

Buy reef aquarium Checkers from Hanna Instruments UK

Hanna Checkers cover a wide range of marine and reef tank parameters, providing an accurate and reliable method of measurement. Digital testers allow you to gain a clear understanding into the condition of your aquarium water, enabling quick response to out-of-range parameters.

Browse the Checkers range online today, with next-day delivery available for all in stock products.