
Saltwater Aquarium & Reef Tank Water Parameters - Acceptable Ranges Reference Chart
Maintaining proper reef tank parameters is essential to the health and well-being of fish, coral, and invertebrates inside your aquarium. Fluctuations in a key aquarium parameter, such as temperature, salinity, pH, ammonia, or nitrate can result in some serious stress upon your tank inhabitants, algae blooms, and disease.
No matter what type of aquarium you keep, it is important to test and monitor critical tank parameters on a very regular basis and in order to identify changes or trends in your parameters. When it comes to reef aquariums, stability is king and you have an even wider scope of parameters that must be maintained. In addition to pH, temperature, and salinity you also need to keep a close eye on your alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels.
We've created this handy reference chart for you to bookmark or share so you'll always know the proper saltwater aquarium parameters and how reef aquarium water parameters compare to seawater parameters. You can even click on the image for a downloadable .PDF to take it with you or print it out for handy reference.
Having trouble with your test kits? Curious about 2-part solution and maintaining your calcium and alkalinity levels? Don't worry, we've got you covered with these BRStv videos where our hosts provide some valuable tips and explain critical water parameters.
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Don't Let Your Test Kits Fail You - Top Aquarium Test Kit Mistakes & Fails
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Master Alkalinity In Your Reef Aquarium: Up To 70% More Coral Growth!
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It's More Than Just Salt - Mastering Sodium Chloride
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Master Reef Tank Calcium & Magnesium: Going Beyond The Right Levels And Preventing Precipitation
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Mastering Reef Tank Pollutants: Are You Poisoning Your Tank And Killing Your Corals?
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Quick Guide To Mastering Reef Tank Chemistry - Become An Expert Reef Tank Chemist Without A Degree!
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Can You Trust Your Saltwater Test Kit OR Your Testing Skills On Your Reef Tank? - BRStv Investigates
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The Cool Part Of Reefing. Calcium, Alkalinity & Growing Corals In The Aquarium - A Beginner's Guide
Before you go pouring aquarium additives or supplements into your tank, it is important to understand what you are adding and how much you need to add. The BRS Reef Calculator is a great tool for those of you using BRS Bulk Pharma additives that will help you mix and dose your additives appropriately for your tank.
If you have any questions about testing your water, which additives or equipment you should use, or even how you can get rid of algae, just reach out to our Customer Service team anytime for expert advice. Our crew of experienced hobbyists are happy to talk tank or walk you through the shopping process.

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Aquarium Kit Contents

Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Bundle
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Bulk Reef Supply
Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Bundle
The IM Nuvo 20 Tank Wizard Bundle has everything you need to start a successful 20 gallon reef tank:
- 1x Innovative Marine 20 Gallon NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle
- 1x MightyJet 326 GPH Return Pump w/ Controller
- 1x Removable 200 Micron Filter Sock
- 1x Desktop CustomCaddy Media Basket w/ PurityPack Filter Media Including:
- 1x Mechanical Fiber Ball
- 1x Premium 0.8 ROX Carbon Pack
- 1x High Capacity Coarse GFO Pack
- 1x Preinstalled Rubber Leveling Mat
- 1x Pre-Assembled SafeScreen Mesh Screen Lid
- 1x MicroMag Glass Cleaner
- 2x Nuvo Return Nozzles
- 2x High Tide Water Risers
- 1x Black IM Nuvo Fusin 20 APS Cabinet Aquarium Stand
- 1x 100W AquaEL Ultra Heater
- 1x Refractometer with Calibration Fluid
- 55 Gallons RedSea Aquarium Salt Mix

JBJ RF-25 Bundle
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Bulk Reef Supply
JBJ RF-25 Tank Wizard Bundle
The JBJ RF-25 Tank Wizard Bundle provides the perfect foundation for a simple & elegant reef system:
- JBJ RF-25 Flat Panel 25 Gallon AIO Aquarium
- 1x Return 198 GPH Pump
- 1x 4" Micron Filter Sock w/ Removable Cradle
- 1x Flare Return Nozzle
- 1x Black JBJ RF-25 Aquarium Stand
- 1x 100W AquaEL Ultra Heater
- 1x Refractometer with Calibration Fluid
- 55 Gallons RedSea Aquarium Salt Mix

Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Peninsula Bundle
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Bulk Reef Supply
Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 Peninsula Bundle
The IM Nuvo 20 Peninsula Tank Wizard Bundle has everything you need to start a successful 20 gallon reef tank:
- 1x Innovative Marine 20 Gallon Peninusula NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle
- 1x MightyJet 326 GPH Return Pump w/ Controller
- 1x Removable 200 Micron Filter Sock
- 1x Desktop CustomCaddy Media Basket w/ PurityPack Filter Media Including:
- 1x Mechanical Fiber Ball
- 1x Premium 0.8 ROX Carbon Pack
- 1x High Capacity Coarse GFO Pack
- 1x Preinstalled Rubber Leveling Mat
- 1x Pre-Assembled SafeScreen Mesh Screen Lid
- 1x MicroMag Glass Cleaner
- 2x Nuvo Return Nozzles
- 2x High Tide Water Risers
- 1x Black IM Nuvo Fusin 20 Peninsula APS Cabinet Aquarium Stand
- 1x 100W AquaEL Ultra Heater
- 1x Refractometer with Calibration Fluid
- 55 Gallons RedSea Aquarium Salt Mix
Lights

AI Prime w/ Gooseneck Bundle
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Bulk Reef Supply
AI Prime w/ Gooseneck Tank Wizard Bundle
The World’s Most Popular Reef LED
The newest innovation in the Prime line from AquaIllumination, the Prime 16 HD Series brings more power and color where you want it, plus the freedom to use your smartphone as a controller. No longer are you limited to using a fixed amount of power per channel, the Prime 16HD dynamically adjusts power available to each color, borrowing power from the colors you’re not utilizing. Giving you the most vivid spectrum your tank has ever seen. The Prime 16 HD Series is capable of producing a limitless number of spectral combinations to fit your tank’s exacting needs.
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Prism II LED Light Fixture 12-20 Inch - Marine
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AquaMaxx
Prism II LED Light Fixture 12-20 Inch - Marine
Thinner. Lighter. Smarter.
The new thinner and lighter AquaMaxx Prism II controllable full HD spectrum LED fixture is created from 100% recycled aluminum. Its brushed silver, ultra-slim profile design gives it an aesthetic edge over the competition, and its updated external smart controller includes 6 customizable set points of light intensity and can be used to control additional devices such as pumps, skimmers, cooling fans, and more!
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Kessil A160 w/ Gooseneck
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Bulk Reef Supply
Kessil A160 w/ Gooseneck Bundle
The Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue is perfect for nano and pico saltwater aquariums. Emitting a spectrum range of 10,000K to 20,000K, it's the perfect light for fast growth and coloration of corals. Pair the A160WE up with a Kessil A-series gooseneck for an easy and quick mounting solution.
View all product detailsRocks

Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock
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MarcoRocks
Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock
MarcoRocks Reef Saver Live Rock is one of the most unique rocks that are available on the market today. Reef Saver is a sustainable product since it is not taken directly from the ocean and does not impact living coral reef structures in any form. Combined with their chemical-free cleaning process MarcoRocks is always 100% free of nuisance algae or any type of pests.
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LifeRock Nano Reef Kit
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CaribSea
LifeRock Nano Reef Kit
CaribSea's Nano Reef Kit includes 2 LifeRock Nano Arches plus 1 small Original LifeRock dry rock piece.
LifeRock is infused with spored bacteria to aid in biological performance, along with millions of micro and macro passage ways CaribSea's LifeRock Dry Rock is perfect for the environmentally friendly aquarist.
- Creates a mature looking reef instantly
- 100% safe for all marine animals
- Unique pieces
- Environmentally friendly

Nano LifeRock Dry Live Rock - 10 lbs
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CaribSea
Nano LifeRock Dry Live Rock - 10 lbs
LifeRock is infused with spored bacteria to aid in biological performance, along with millions of micro and macro passage ways CaribSea's LifeRock Dry Rock is perfect for the environmentally friendly aquarist.
- Creates a mature looking reef instantly
- 100% safe for all marine animals
- Unique pieces
- Environmentally friendly
Sand

20 lb. Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Reef Sand
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CaribSea
Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand
Caribsea's Hawaiian Black Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand is a great choice for new aquarists and new reef tank setups. Arag-Alive sands clear quickly and contain millions of live bacteria, speeding up your tanks cycle and leading to less nuisance algae.
Features
- Contains live bacteria to assist with a faster cycle
- Grain size: 0.25 - 3.5mm
- High Surface Area for Bacteria

20 lb. Special Grade Arag-Alive! Reef Sand

CaribSea
20 lb. Special Grade Arag-Alive! Reef Sand
Why does BRS recommend this?
When we at Bulk Reef Supply set up a tank that we know will have large amounts of flow our instant choice for sand is the Arag-Alive Special Grade Sand from CaribSea. With its larger particle size, it does not get pushed around like most other smaller grain sand sizes available and is great for all tanks especially those with a lot of water movement.
Special Grage Arag-Alive! Live Aragonite Reef Sand contains millions of live bacteria to create a natural biological balance in your reef tank.
- Contains live bacteria to assist with a faster cycle
- Grain size: 1-2mm
- High Surface Area for Bacteria

Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand

CaribSea
Fiji Pink Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand
Why does BRS recommend this?
If we had to choose a single type of sand for any tank, it would be the Arag-Alive Fiji Pink sand. It is by far the most popular sand for its medium to large grain size, high amount of total available surface area, as well as just its overall beauty.
Caribsea's Arag-Alive! Live Reef Sand is a great choice for new aquarists and new reef tank setups. Arag-Alive sands clear quickly and contain millions of live bacteria, speeding up your tanks cycle and leading to less nuisance algae.
Features
- live bacteria to assist with a faster cycle
- Grain size: 0.5-1.5mm
- Most popular size for reef sand
- High Surface Area for Bacteria
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BRStv Series
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