SCAFFMAN wrote:
what are the ideal water parameters for keeping marine fish, starfish and
corals

There seems to be good consensus that ammonia, nitrites, nitrates,
phosphates, and silicates should all be near-zero, but then things seem
to diverge from there. There are hobbyist that just rely on frequent
water changes using a decent salt mix. This keeps the alkalinity from
moving out of acceptable parameters, and provides an export for nitrates
and toxic orgnanics/metals. And then there are chemistry buffs that
examine the water parameters in minute detail and tend to do water
changes much less frequently. (I'm in the 1x/month club).

For example, specific gravity on aquariums can range from 22 to 26 (or
higher) and most fish and inverts will adjust to these. However, what
is "best" is highly subjective depends on the species your keeping and
where they are from (red sea, reef, open ocean).

I've heard about some people tracking 16 different water parameters. I
currently track 8.

Agree with Wayne that you should read up on this and develop your own
working theory of what is best. If you're new or don't understand water
chemistry, then definitely rely on frequent water changes. Also,
investigate the environment where your species are from.

--Kurt