Checking Calcium and Alkalinity

williams-crist · 02/11/2006, 11:49 AM

Okay, first of all sorry for asking a dumb question.

How frequently should I be checking calcium and alkalinity for my tank?

Right now, I only have a few mushrooms and a leather coral but I'm interested in adding some more corals and would like to educate myself a bit more.

Any advice appreciated!

mystikdragon7 · 02/11/2006, 11:53 AM

Once a week is usually good. Everyday when you are adding supplements.

Paintbug · 02/11/2006, 12:20 PM

i check mine about once every 2-3 days.

Froggy · 02/11/2006, 12:22 PM

Usually about once a week IMO once you know your tanks usage demands. You may need more frequent testing at first until a dosing routine is established. It is also a good idea to test magnesium about once a month to make sure that stays in line. Magnesium requires less frequent testing than alk and calc.

02/11/2006, 11:49 AM	#1
williams-crist Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Iowa Posts: 465	Checking Calcium and Alkalinity Okay, first of all sorry for asking a dumb question. How frequently should I be checking calcium and alkalinity for my tank? Right now, I only have a few mushrooms and a leather coral but I'm interested in adding some more corals and would like to educate myself a bit more. Any advice appreciated!

02/11/2006, 11:53 AM	#2
mystikdragon7 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mill Creek, WA Posts: 1,051	Once a week is usually good. Everyday when you are adding supplements. __________________ Patience is a vitrue Current Tank Info: 60gal reef, 2 175 watt MH, 2 95 watt VHO Actinics, 20 gal sump; 30gal FOWLR, pair of B&W baby perculas

02/11/2006, 12:20 PM	#3
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	i check mine about once every 2-3 days. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

02/11/2006, 12:22 PM	#4
Froggy Reef "Hobbyist"...right!? Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canton, MI Posts: 2,160	Usually about once a week IMO once you know your tanks usage demands. You may need more frequent testing at first until a dosing routine is established. It is also a good idea to test magnesium about once a month to make sure that stays in line. Magnesium requires less frequent testing than alk and calc.