Phosphate (PO4)Accuracy / Precision (+/-): 0.01 mg/l / 0.005 mg/l.

Phosphate is part of the nutrient equation of a reef tank.  It is important to keep it at an optimal range (0.05 – 0.1 mg/l).  Too high or too low can cause imbalance and lead to coral bleaching or increased algae growth and eventually killing the corals in the system.

Calcium (Ca) Accuracy / Precision (+/-): 6 mg/l / 6 mg/l.

These are the building blocks for the reef system and reefers aim to achieve a balanced level together with alkalinity.  These two elements reacts slower than alkalinity and therefore regular measurements of Ca and Mg 2-3 times a week with keeping it in par will be sufficient but it is important to keep the BIG 3 (KH, Ca, Mg) in balance to achieve good growth and coloration.

Magnesium (Mg) Accuracy / Precision (+/-): 20 mg/l / 20 mg/l

These are the building blocks for the reef system and reefers aim to achieve a balanced level together with alkalinity.  These two elements reacts slower than alkalinity and therefore regular measurements of Ca and Mg 2-3 times a week with keeping it in par will be sufficient but it is important to keep the BIG 3 (KH, Ca, Mg) in balance to achieve good growth and coloration.

Alkalinity (dKH) Accuracy / Precision (+/-) 0.1 dKH / 0.05 dKH.

Alkalinity (dKH) is the main element that is fast changing in a matter of hours.  Just by monitoring dKH, you can know if other equipment is functioning correctly or not. 

1) Calcium Reactor pump failing

2) Doser not running correctly

3) Lights not turned on (lights triggers dKH consumption)

4) Unbalanced of other elements (Mg/Ca)

OLI stands for (Organic Level Index) and is derived by Focustronic and is only available in Mastertronic.  This measures the yellowness of the water in the system and gives a trend.  When level is higher than normal, it indicates the tank may require some maintenance such as water and/or carbon change.

Iron (Fe)* Accuracy / Precision (+/-) 0.005 mg/l / 0.005 mg/l

Nitrate (NO3)Accuracy / Precision (+/-) : 0.5 mg/l / 0.1 mg/l.

Nitrate being an important parameter with keeping stable nutrients in a reef system.  When tested at same time of the day, it is a good indicator if nitrate gets out of balance.  There are different rules with the ratio between N and P and with regular automated testing, this can be achieved easily. 

Iodine (I)* Accuracy / Precision (+/-) 0.01 mg/l / 0.01 mg/l

Ammonia (NH3) Accuracy / Precision (+/-) 0.01 mg/l / 0.01 mg/l

Nitrite is a good parameter to track when a new system is in the cycling stage.