Essential reef testing/additives

binaryterror · 04/30/2006, 10:13 AM

I am now setting up a reef. My old test kits were crap, so I am starting over completely. So, now I have 0 tests. Out of the one sin the link below, what tests will I need for a mixed reef, with mainly SPS.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...rt.asp?CartId=

Now, for additives...out of the link below, which additives are needed for healthy coral growth and color? And maybe 1 bottle of something that is just for making corals healthy (Reef Plus). I also noticed that there is the stuff in powder form, and liquid form. Which is better?

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...upplements.asp

Thanks!

mg426 · 04/30/2006, 10:43 AM

Ammonia, nitrite,nitrate, alk, calacium, phosphate,magnesium. Would be a good start. Use a PH monitor if you can swing it.

binaryterror · 04/30/2006, 10:49 AM

Ok, so those are the needed testing supplies? What about additives?

Whats a PH monitor? Is it just an electronic PH tester? I can get one of those if thats what you mean.

Sk8r · 04/30/2006, 10:51 AM

Refractometer, Seifert tests for alkalinity, calcium, magnesium---in order of frequency of use. You test for mg when things aren't working well with the other 2. I use Kent additives of those 3, but never need mg. There are other alternatives...but for the tests, Seifert is the best, IMHO.

I recently got a sample of Kent Coral Vite and have been favorably impressed with the increase in color. Caution: it is high in magnesium, so don't let it build up on you. I don't use any other tonics.

Paintbug · 04/30/2006, 11:21 AM

get a refractometer for SG, stick with Salifert Kits, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, alkalinity, pH will get you started. pH is best tested with an electronic tester, or monitor. they range from $30-$200 depending on brand, and functions. be sure to get the calibration fluids as well. once you are a couple of months in, start checking calcium, magnesium, and phosphates.

as far as additives, i only add a 2 part Calcium buffer, maybe some magnesium when needed. water changes will take care of everything else. and until you start noticing your calc/alk levels are low theres no need to add anything. spend some time reading this:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php it explains what each major element does.

binaryterror · 04/30/2006, 02:27 PM

Well, my tank has been set up for 4 months now. So should I get all the tests your talking about?

Paintbug · 04/30/2006, 03:42 PM

might as well. the only ones you may not use often is the ammonia, and nitrites. but they are good to have for those moments of what it going on here.

binaryterror · 04/30/2006, 06:56 PM

Now, Salifert are alot. Can I just buy a different brand for the tests that I dont need super accurate?

binaryterror · 04/30/2006, 08:11 PM

Also, what are the additives I should buy to make the corals healthy, with vibrant colors?

Paintbug · 04/30/2006, 08:12 PM

i would rather spend a couple of dollars on an accurate test kit, than restock my tank because the cheap test kit was off! things like ammonia, nitrites, and maybe nitrates you could get by using a cheap kit, but calcium, alk, mag you need accuratcy! read the article i posted, it explains the importance of each element.

Also, what are the additives I should buy to make the corals healthy, with vibrant colors?

it depends on what corals you keep. but for most good water quality, and lighting and the corals will do fine.

binaryterror · 04/30/2006, 08:35 PM

I am going to keep mainly SPS. WOnt I need calcium, and a buffer, ect? Or will it self sustain its self? Oh, and do I need pH to be a Salifert, or can it be a cheap kit also.

jdm01 · 04/30/2006, 08:36 PM

I agree with the recommended tests. I have tried the cheap route and am repurchasing test kits in Salifert trim. This hobby is expensive enough that rebuying is just too costly. Take the advice I did not and spend the money up front to buy the right stuff. As to additives I use mostly Kent Marine. I dose the two part calcium supplement. Right now I am using Kent Turbo Calcium because the Ca is way low. Follow the advice that was given to me: Do not dose anything for which you have not tested. It will save you tremendous headaches down the road.

Here is a link to my thread. There are some good chemistry resources that have been provided to me in this thread.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=825253

boviac · 04/30/2006, 09:03 PM

Nothing bad about Red Sea kits but I have Phosphate test kit for both Red Sea and SeaChem. Needless to say I have an overwhelming algae problem so I know I have phosphates. The Red Sea has tested now 5 times at zero phosphates and SeaChem is maxed at 3.0. Go figure. (OT I finally got a PhosBan Rx and poly filters.)

I do have Red Sea's Marine Kit for pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. For those tests I would recommend that kit. However pH is challengeing to read the color: 8.0 looks a lot like 8.4. I too recommend a pH meter.

I really like my Salifert kits and would recommend those over all the others for accuracy and ease of use. Yes they cost a few bucks more but look at everything else you spend money on for this hobby. By not using accurate Test kits its like gambling with all your hobby time & money.

binaryterror · 05/01/2006, 02:05 PM

Ok, I will go with Salifert for Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate, and pH (unless I can afford a pH monitor).

Now again, what additives will I need for the corals?

SDguy · 05/01/2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by binaryterror
Ok, I will go with Salifert for Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate, and pH (unless I can afford a pH monitor).

Now again, what additives will I need for the corals?

Well, your mantra should be not to add anything that you don't test for. So, depending on the size of your tank, and what method you wish to use, I'd recommend having kalk, maybe a two part system (kent, b-ionic), Mg and maybe someything like seachem reef buffer for buffering top off water when you don't need to really add anything else. Check out the Reef Chemistry forum for more info., lots of good articles, and many suggestions/substitutions for the products I mentioned.

PS - Do you already have the Alk test kit?

binaryterror · 05/01/2006, 05:32 PM

I threw my old ones away, so no. My tank now is a 55g, but getting a 240 this summer. So I want to get stuff that I can transfer over. With kalk, I dont have a doser, so I wanted to have 1 bottle of everything I will need so i can dose when I need to for individual things.

SDguy · 05/01/2006, 09:32 PM

I'd suggest a 2 part system then. For a tank that large, look into Randy's formulation (in the chem forum)...much more economical. He also has suggestions for Mg.

And get a good alk kit. Very important.

bergzy · 05/01/2006, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by binaryterror
I am going to keep mainly SPS. WOnt I need calcium, and a buffer, ect? Or will it self sustain its self? Oh, and do I need pH to be a Salifert, or can it be a cheap kit also.

i have learned many a disappointing lessons from the school of hard knocks...it sounds like you may be heading in that direction and hopefully with a slightly open mind...you will not have to attend.

first, i am sure you have heard over and over and over that reef keeping is not cheap...well, 'they' are all right. it isnt.

essential test kits for a total beginner? ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, calcium, alk and magnesium.

why the ammonia and nitrite? because i dont want to patronize you...if you need to ask which test kits you should have for a reef, then it would be a safe bet that you would benefit from these test kits.

definitely get an electronic pH moniter...dont bother with a test kit to check your pH...it isnt enough. dont cheap out on these things.

as for additives...

my tank has finally stabilized with just the use of a ca reactor. alkalinity is great and ca is just where it is supposed to be.

to start, you can use a two part system but if you are even considering sps...a ca reactor would be a great asset.

for the other essential trace elements...nothing beats good old regular water changes.

other than stabile salinity, lighting, temp and water chemistry...it's all easy and good.

bergzy · 05/01/2006, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by binaryterror
Also, what are the additives I should buy to make the corals healthy, with vibrant colors?

for the most spectacular vibrant coral colors...

nothing comes close to the zeovit method!

do a google on zeovit.

binaryterror · 05/02/2006, 02:58 PM

Thanks. But a calcium reactor is out of my current price range. I will get all Salifert tests, but why cant I get a pH test from Salifert also? And for additvies, I would rather just buy bottles or powder of the stuff already made. It will be alot easier on me.

binaryterror · 05/03/2006, 01:35 PM

I just got a new job (hopefully), so I think I may be able to afford a calcium reactor! What is a good brand, that is cheap. I dont want to spend all of my money on a CA, but I also dont want a POS one. Thanks

aubee91 · 05/03/2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by binaryterror
Thanks. But a calcium reactor is out of my current price range. I will get all Salifert tests, but why cant I get a pH test from Salifert also? And for additvies, I would rather just buy bottles or powder of the stuff already made. It will be alot easier on me.

pH can change significantly in a reasonably short time, like a few hours. If you just use a test kit, you'll only know your pH when you test. So you will either be testing often, or won't really know your tank's pH. It's really, really convenient to be able to just glance at a meter to know the pH. I'm sure there are reefkeepers out there who make do with tests only, but I wouldn't want to.

binaryterror · 05/03/2006, 03:39 PM

Yes, I will be getting a pH monitor also, but what about the CR?

aubee91 · 05/03/2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by binaryterror
Yes, I will be getting a pH monitor also, but what about the CR?

A calcium reactor is not a necessity, imo. You should be able to go a long time without one and just use pickling lime to make limewater (kalkwasser) or Randy's formula for an inexpensive two part calcium additive.

Anthony Calfo in his Book of Coral Propagation recommends supplementation of limewater alone even for large coral propagation facilities. You can wait until you have money to burn to get a CR. Or just spend the money on more corals and other livestock instead.

binaryterror · 05/03/2006, 06:57 PM

Thanks. I will just do that then! Now, is there a bottle of the kalkwasser already made (I obviously have to mix it with water)? Because I would think that it would be a ton easier to just buy the powder mix or something.

04/30/2006, 10:13 AM	#1
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Essential reef testing/additives I am now setting up a reef. My old test kits were crap, so I am starting over completely. So, now I have 0 tests. Out of the one sin the link below, what tests will I need for a mixed reef, with mainly SPS. http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...rt.asp?CartId= Now, for additives...out of the link below, which additives are needed for healthy coral growth and color? And maybe 1 bottle of something that is just for making corals healthy (Reef Plus). I also noticed that there is the stuff in powder form, and liquid form. Which is better? http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...upplements.asp Thanks!

04/30/2006, 10:43 AM	#2
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	Ammonia, nitrite,nitrate, alk, calacium, phosphate,magnesium. Would be a good start. Use a PH monitor if you can swing it. __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

04/30/2006, 10:49 AM	#3
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Ok, so those are the needed testing supplies? What about additives? Whats a PH monitor? Is it just an electronic PH tester? I can get one of those if thats what you mean. __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

04/30/2006, 10:51 AM	#4
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Refractometer, Seifert tests for alkalinity, calcium, magnesium---in order of frequency of use. You test for mg when things aren't working well with the other 2. I use Kent additives of those 3, but never need mg. There are other alternatives...but for the tests, Seifert is the best, IMHO. I recently got a sample of Kent Coral Vite and have been favorably impressed with the increase in color. Caution: it is high in magnesium, so don't let it build up on you. I don't use any other tonics. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

04/30/2006, 11:21 AM	#5
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	get a refractometer for SG, stick with Salifert Kits, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, alkalinity, pH will get you started. pH is best tested with an electronic tester, or monitor. they range from $30-$200 depending on brand, and functions. be sure to get the calibration fluids as well. once you are a couple of months in, start checking calcium, magnesium, and phosphates. as far as additives, i only add a 2 part Calcium buffer, maybe some magnesium when needed. water changes will take care of everything else. and until you start noticing your calc/alk levels are low theres no need to add anything. spend some time reading this: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php it explains what each major element does. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

04/30/2006, 02:27 PM	#6
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Well, my tank has been set up for 4 months now. So should I get all the tests your talking about? __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

04/30/2006, 03:42 PM	#7
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	might as well. the only ones you may not use often is the ammonia, and nitrites. but they are good to have for those moments of what it going on here. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

04/30/2006, 06:56 PM	#8
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Now, Salifert are alot. Can I just buy a different brand for the tests that I dont need super accurate? __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

04/30/2006, 08:11 PM	#9
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Also, what are the additives I should buy to make the corals healthy, with vibrant colors? __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

04/30/2006, 08:12 PM	#10
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	i would rather spend a couple of dollars on an accurate test kit, than restock my tank because the cheap test kit was off! things like ammonia, nitrites, and maybe nitrates you could get by using a cheap kit, but calcium, alk, mag you need accuratcy! read the article i posted, it explains the importance of each element. Also, what are the additives I should buy to make the corals healthy, with vibrant colors? it depends on what corals you keep. but for most good water quality, and lighting and the corals will do fine. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

04/30/2006, 08:35 PM	#11
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	I am going to keep mainly SPS. WOnt I need calcium, and a buffer, ect? Or will it self sustain its self? Oh, and do I need pH to be a Salifert, or can it be a cheap kit also. __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

04/30/2006, 08:36 PM	#12
jdm01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Greenfield Posts: 904	I agree with the recommended tests. I have tried the cheap route and am repurchasing test kits in Salifert trim. This hobby is expensive enough that rebuying is just too costly. Take the advice I did not and spend the money up front to buy the right stuff. As to additives I use mostly Kent Marine. I dose the two part calcium supplement. Right now I am using Kent Turbo Calcium because the Ca is way low. Follow the advice that was given to me: Do not dose anything for which you have not tested. It will save you tremendous headaches down the road. Here is a link to my thread. There are some good chemistry resources that have been provided to me in this thread. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=825253 __________________ John Martin Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon BioCube

04/30/2006, 09:03 PM	#13
boviac Loves Tank Builds Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Altadena, California Posts: 1,584	Nothing bad about Red Sea kits but I have Phosphate test kit for both Red Sea and SeaChem. Needless to say I have an overwhelming algae problem so I know I have phosphates. The Red Sea has tested now 5 times at zero phosphates and SeaChem is maxed at 3.0. Go figure. (OT I finally got a PhosBan Rx and poly filters.) I do have Red Sea's Marine Kit for pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. For those tests I would recommend that kit. However pH is challengeing to read the color: 8.0 looks a lot like 8.4. I too recommend a pH meter. I really like my Salifert kits and would recommend those over all the others for accuracy and ease of use. Yes they cost a few bucks more but look at everything else you spend money on for this hobby. By not using accurate Test kits its like gambling with all your hobby time & money. __________________ No more tank.... ;-) Current Tank Info: No tank anymore - Hobby shift to Light Sport Aircraft

05/01/2006, 02:05 PM	#14
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Ok, I will go with Salifert for Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate, and pH (unless I can afford a pH monitor). Now again, what additives will I need for the corals? __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

05/01/2006, 05:32 PM	#16
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	I threw my old ones away, so no. My tank now is a 55g, but getting a 240 this summer. So I want to get stuff that I can transfer over. With kalk, I dont have a doser, so I wanted to have 1 bottle of everything I will need so i can dose when I need to for individual things. __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

05/01/2006, 09:32 PM	#17
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 23,384	I'd suggest a 2 part system then. For a tank that large, look into Randy's formulation (in the chem forum)...much more economical. He also has suggestions for Mg. And get a good alk kit. Very important. __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 15g QT.

05/02/2006, 02:58 PM	#20
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Thanks. But a calcium reactor is out of my current price range. I will get all Salifert tests, but why cant I get a pH test from Salifert also? And for additvies, I would rather just buy bottles or powder of the stuff already made. It will be alot easier on me. __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

05/03/2006, 01:35 PM	#21
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	I just got a new job (hopefully), so I think I may be able to afford a calcium reactor! What is a good brand, that is cheap. I dont want to spend all of my money on a CA, but I also dont want a POS one. Thanks __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

05/03/2006, 03:39 PM	#23
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Yes, I will be getting a pH monitor also, but what about the CR? __________________ RIP Steve Irwin

05/03/2006, 06:57 PM	#25
binaryterror Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Akron, Ohio Posts: 762	Thanks. I will just do that then! Now, is there a bottle of the kalkwasser already made (I obviously have to mix it with water)? Because I would think that it would be a ton easier to just buy the powder mix or something. __________________ RIP Steve Irwin