Coral Compass blog

Reef tank how-tos and gear guides.

Best Reef Tank Test Kits (2026): Salifert vs Red Sea vs Hanna

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How to Raise Alkalinity in a Reef Tank Safely (dKH Guide)

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Running Lower Alkalinity in a Reef Tank: Why, When and How (6.5โ€“7.5 dKH)

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Denitrification in Reef Tanks: How Bacteria Remove Nitrate (and What It Does to Alk)

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Phosphate in Reef Tanks: Targets, Testing and How to Lower or Raise PO4

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Magnesium in Reef Tanks: Why It Matters, Target Range and How to Dose

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Calcium in Reef Tanks: Target Range, Testing and How to Raise It

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Alkalinity Swings in Reef Tanks: Causes, Damage and How to Stop Them

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Nitrate and Phosphate Balance in Reef Tanks: Getting the N:P Ratio Right

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How to Calibrate a Refractometer for Reef Tank Salinity (35 ppt / 1.026 SG)

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Reef Tank Testing Schedule: What to Test Daily, Weekly and Monthly

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How to Cycle a New Reef Tank: Fishless Method, Timeline and Tests

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Two-Part Dosing for Reef Tanks: Recipe 1, Pumps and Daily Setup

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ICP Reef Test Results Explained: How to Read Trace Elements Without Overdosing

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Hanna Checkers vs Titration Test Kits for Reef Tanks: Accuracy and Use

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Reef Algae Outbreaks: Use Water Tests to Find the Cause (Hair Algae, Cyano, Dinos)

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Reef Tank Water Changes: How Much, How Often and How to Match Parameters

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RO/DI Water for Reef Tanks: TDS, Filter Changes and Why It Matters

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Reef Tank pH: Normal Range, Daily Swings and How to Raise Low pH

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STN and RTN in SPS: Troubleshooting Tissue Loss with Water Tests

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Want the deeper science? Visit the reef science hub.