Testing water change water?

snodine · 11/17/2008, 03:03 PM

Other than salinity, does anyone do other testing of water used for water changes? Like ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphates, pH, alk, etc., etc.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Capt_Cully · 11/17/2008, 03:05 PM

Ca, Mg, dKH for me on every new bucket-o-salt. There have been some bad batches on occaision, and I don't wanna get stung. Some great reefs have been seriously damaged by bad salt mixes.

stricknine · 11/17/2008, 03:26 PM

I make to sure to check the TDS on my RO/DI unit output prior to using it just to make sure the filters arent bad.

crvz · 11/17/2008, 04:36 PM

I check the water levels in the display at each water change (calc, alk, nitrate, phosphate, mag), but the only thing I check of freshly made salt water is salinity and temp.

Playa-1 · 11/18/2008, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Capt_Cully
Ca, Mg, dKH for me on every new bucket-o-salt. There have been some bad batches on occaision, and I don't wanna get stung. Some great reefs have been seriously damaged by bad salt mixes.

+1

Flipper62 · 11/18/2008, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by crvz
I check the water levels in the display at each water change (calc, alk, nitrate, phosphate, mag), but the only thing I check of freshly made salt water is salinity and temp.

If you are using the same brand of salt mix & going thorough the same routine for your water changes. The same amount of salt per gallon.... Then get your change water up to the same salinity & temp as the tank........there is really no need to check for Ammonia...Nitrates.....theres nothing in the new water that can cause a change. The calcium, alkalinity ...etc should be fine. However check them a day or 2 after the water change.....to be sure the tank has stabilized

Capt_Cully · 11/18/2008, 06:55 AM

What salt mix are you using by the way?

snodine · 11/18/2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Capt_Cully
What salt mix are you using by the way?

Red Sea Coral Pro. I make the RO/DI water on Wednesday or Thursday and mix the salt water on Thursday or Friday. Leave a heater and a pump in the barrel and change the water on Saturday or Sunday after checking temp and SG. I change about 20 gallons at a time.

11/17/2008, 03:03 PM	#1
snodine Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Romeoville, IL Posts: 155	Testing water change water? Other than salinity, does anyone do other testing of water used for water changes? Like ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, phosphates, pH, alk, etc., etc. Thank you in advance for your assistance. __________________ --Steve-- "That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

11/17/2008, 03:05 PM	#2
Capt_Cully Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 13,574	Ca, Mg, dKH for me on every new bucket-o-salt. There have been some bad batches on occaision, and I don't wanna get stung. Some great reefs have been seriously damaged by bad salt mixes. __________________ People say cars are a bad investment. Those people don't have reef tanks. Current Tank Info: 120, Radion Gen 2 Pro x 2

11/17/2008, 04:36 PM	#4
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	I check the water levels in the display at each water change (calc, alk, nitrate, phosphate, mag), but the only thing I check of freshly made salt water is salinity and temp. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

11/18/2008, 06:55 AM	#7
Capt_Cully Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 13,574	What salt mix are you using by the way? __________________ People say cars are a bad investment. Those people don't have reef tanks. Current Tank Info: 120, Radion Gen 2 Pro x 2

11/17/2008, 03:26 PM	#3
stricknine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Up North Posts: 989	I make to sure to check the TDS on my RO/DI unit output prior to using it just to make sure the filters arent bad.