New to Tropical Reefkeeping? Some suggested water parameters:

[Hawkeye]

Suggested Water Parameters for a tropical reef tank...

Calcium
380-450 ppm

Alkalinity
2.5-4 meq/L or 7-11 dKH or 125-200 ppm CaCO3 equivalents

Salinity
35 ppt or sg = 1.026

Temperature
76-83° F

pH
7.8-8.5 OK....8.1-8.3 is better

Magnesium
1250-1350 ppm

Phosphate
< 0.03 ppm

Ammonia
<0.1 ppm

Nitrate
A good target is less than 0.2 ppm nitrate. Reef aquaria can function acceptably at much higher nitrate levels (say, 20 ppm), but run greater risks (e.g. algae growth)

Table courtesy of Randy Holmes-Farley

Full article can be found HERE

One of the first things people ask is "what are your water parameters" and unfortunately a lot of times people just say "good". It would be helpful if everyone (when asking a water quality question) to post some or all of the parameters above when possible.

 

[DaveK]

An excellent post, especially the part about people having a problem and simply saying that their water parameters are "good".

I would also suggest the just because the water parameters you tested all seem to be within range, do not believe you water is ok. There could be plenty wrong with it. This is why the best advice is often to make large partial water changes when there is a problem, and the exact cause can not be determined.