mg/L vs. ppm

[SBGRAD24]

I see some people give their parameters in mg/L and others in ppm. Is there a conversion between the two that anyone knows of? Also, what is the proper nitrate level for an established tank. I hear some people say it should be 0, while others say anywhere less than 25 mg/L.

[Guest AbSoluTc]

As far as measurements - it should be PPM.

 

An established tank SHOULD <----keyword - have 0ppm. However 5ppm is acceptable.  Anything higher needs to be addressed.

[SBGRAD24]

I have two different test kits and they both give readings in mg/L, is that the same as ppm?

[Fishiebusiness]

PPM is equal to mg/l for our purposes.

[Korbin]

There is no conversion between mg/L and ppm.  They are pretty much the same thing.

 

1 mg/L =  0.001 grams/ 1,000 ml = 10^-6  

 

1 ppm = 1 part per million = 1 part/ 1,000,000 = 10^-6

[Guest AbSoluTc]

Yeah, what ^ he said

 

I don't go into all that detail!

[Sahin]

Yup,  10mg/L Nitrates is the same as 10ppm Nitrates

[Nishant3789]

are we talking abot nitrates here? i never knew that...? wheres it say anything bout nitrates? because calcium is also measured in ppm which you really do NOT want at 0ppm...

nishant

[Sahin]

Nishant:  I just used nitrates as an example...

 

Here goes:

original poster asked about the units for most water parameters; mg/L is basically same as ppm

 

and 2nd question;

normally for a reef tank, nitrates should idealy be at;

0ppm nitrates OR

0mg/L nitrates

 

But, its alright to have up to 5mg/L nitrates (or 5ppm).

For a fish only saltwater tank, up to 20ppm is still ok.

 

hope that helps.

[Sahin]

And Nishant; We want calcium to be at about 420ppm or 420mg/L

 

Hope that sorts out any confusion.