What testing/monitoring materials are essential that I need to purchase?

leeh · 09/07/2009, 04:08 PM

I've seen a testing kit that allows measureing of pH, amonia, nitrates etc, is this a good starter kit?

Also i've been told a need a tool for measuring salinity of the water?

Is there anything else essential that I need to purchase, i'm off to the garden/aquatic centre tomorrow so i'm going to load up on everything I need.

Thanks.

scottsr · 09/07/2009, 04:19 PM

I use one of the cheap plastic Seatest full range specific gravity meter IMO it works as well as a refractometer, but if you have the money the refractometer is better. What kind of tank are you running reef or fish only? Ph, NO2, NO3, Ammonia are nice to know for general fish tanks if you are doing a reef you will want to know more: calcium, Kh, Phospates IMHO it is good to measure for all of it and document findings when you first start, just to get an idea of how your actions effect your water quality. After you are set in your routine you may not need to test as much.

leeh · 09/07/2009, 04:24 PM

I'm planning on running reef with the aim of 2 clowns but i'm going to be adding the clowns first after my cycle is clear of amonia, nitrates etc.

reefergeorge · 09/07/2009, 04:28 PM

IMO you only need a refractometer for sg, and buy the api starter kit, and add a KH test.

sedor · 09/07/2009, 04:55 PM

+1 the API kit is great for beginners. When you go to buy your reef kits (Ca, Alk, Mg) you will probably want a better brand. I use Salifert as do a lot of other people.

09/07/2009, 04:08 PM	#1
leeh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 13	What testing/monitoring materials are essential that I need to purchase? I've seen a testing kit that allows measureing of pH, amonia, nitrates etc, is this a good starter kit? Also i've been told a need a tool for measuring salinity of the water? Is there anything else essential that I need to purchase, i'm off to the garden/aquatic centre tomorrow so i'm going to load up on everything I need. Thanks.

09/07/2009, 04:28 PM	#4
reefergeorge Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: St Louis MO Posts: 4,222	IMO you only need a refractometer for sg, and buy the api starter kit, and add a KH test. __________________ $35-50 for a <1" frag of some stupid named thing that came from a colony you bought for $40-60 wholesale and chopped into 20-40 pieces? No thanks. "JasonH" Current Tank Info: 125 aggressive reef, DIY led lighting, swc cone skimmer, 33 gallon sump, posiden Ps3 return.

09/07/2009, 04:55 PM	#5
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	+1 the API kit is great for beginners. When you go to buy your reef kits (Ca, Alk, Mg) you will probably want a better brand. I use Salifert as do a lot of other people. __________________ Ryan

09/07/2009, 04:19 PM	#2
scottsr Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 112	I use one of the cheap plastic Seatest full range specific gravity meter IMO it works as well as a refractometer, but if you have the money the refractometer is better. What kind of tank are you running reef or fish only? Ph, NO2, NO3, Ammonia are nice to know for general fish tanks if you are doing a reef you will want to know more: calcium, Kh, Phospates IMHO it is good to measure for all of it and document findings when you first start, just to get an idea of how your actions effect your water quality. After you are set in your routine you may not need to test as much.

09/07/2009, 04:24 PM	#3
leeh Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 13	I'm planning on running reef with the aim of 2 clowns but i'm going to be adding the clowns first after my cycle is clear of amonia, nitrates etc.