Correct Water Levels

[mandarin man]

Im kind of a beginner and I'm wandering what are the proper water levels and conditions of all the test to make the water just right and lower the algae growth. Have heard many different opinions and im looking for some more in here.

 

[darb2]

Temp 78 to 80 F
ph 8.2 to 8.4 but try to keep it consistant
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
nitrate below 10 This is more critical with inverts to be lower than that
calcium 400 mg/l . important for inverts and corraline growth
phosphate low to zero
phosphate is usually the cause of higher algal growth. it is added to city water to make it safe for drinking, as well as in some flake foods.
If any of your water values are out of check esp nitrate and phosphate start to do water changes more frequently and feed less.

 

[fishfreek]

Ill agree with everything darb said except I like the temp a few degrees warmer.

For me,

Temp - 80-82F