Test Kits

Random Aquarist · 02/14/2007, 09:07 PM

What test kits do I need for a reef tank?

bertoni · 02/15/2007, 01:18 AM

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

That article covers all the water parameters and lists which ones are critical. A lot depends on what animals you keep and the size of the tank. Many small tanks do well enough with frequent water changes.

I test pH, temperature, salinity, and alkalinity every few weeks. I run a magnesium test every few months. For newer tanks, a nitrate test kit might be useful, as well as phosphate. Ammonia is good to keep on hand for emergencies.

dendro982 · 02/15/2007, 01:59 AM

- Ammonia, nitrites - for cycling tank and emergencies.
- Nitrates and may be phosphates - for checking nutrients accumulation.
- KH (alkalinity) and pH - I need this on a regular basis, but other tanks can be more stable.
- Calcium and may be magnesium. Depends on what salt mix you will be using, will you grow stony corals, or not, and if coraline will not grow - I would check these.

Brands: Salifert is one of the most recommended, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (AP) are good and cheap (all, but Calcium).

02/14/2007, 09:07 PM	#1
Random Aquarist Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: SLO County, CA Posts: 758	Test Kits What test kits do I need for a reef tank? __________________ I need treefitty. - Loch Ness Monster Current Tank Info: 86g rubble zone w/ seagrass bed biotope

02/15/2007, 01:18 AM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php That article covers all the water parameters and lists which ones are critical. A lot depends on what animals you keep and the size of the tank. Many small tanks do well enough with frequent water changes. I test pH, temperature, salinity, and alkalinity every few weeks. I run a magnesium test every few months. For newer tanks, a nitrate test kit might be useful, as well as phosphate. Ammonia is good to keep on hand for emergencies. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

02/15/2007, 01:59 AM	#3
dendro982 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,963	- Ammonia, nitrites - for cycling tank and emergencies. - Nitrates and may be phosphates - for checking nutrients accumulation. - KH (alkalinity) and pH - I need this on a regular basis, but other tanks can be more stable. - Calcium and may be magnesium. Depends on what salt mix you will be using, will you grow stony corals, or not, and if coraline will not grow - I would check these. Brands: Salifert is one of the most recommended, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals (AP) are good and cheap (all, but Calcium).