test kits

jakob1977 · 05/10/2007, 08:35 PM

i am going to buy salt water test kit which ones do you recommend i am also getting some live rock too

drummereef · 05/10/2007, 08:37 PM

Salifert. Get these to start...

Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphate

You can get a pH test as well, but a pH monitor would be more accurate. Don't forget your refractometer for salinity and a thermometer for temp.

NanoGurl · 05/10/2007, 09:00 PM

What DR said.

returnofsid · 05/10/2007, 09:47 PM

Just as drummer said, although I'd add pH and not get the phosphate. Phosphate tests are very inaccurate as phosphates bound up in your sand, rock and plants won't show up in a test.

jakob1977 · 05/10/2007, 10:02 PM

do you recomend live sand or somthing else i am having a problem keeping it clean

coralfragger101 · 05/11/2007, 03:48 AM

Has anyone that recommends Saliferts ever tried the Elos test kits. If you would, you'd never go back. They are simple to use, very accurate and most test have a distinct color change to grade by rather than a "shade" of the same color.

Lamottes would be the ultimate but too much money. Elos test kits gets my vote.

kau_cinta_ku · 05/11/2007, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jakob1977
do you recomend live sand or somthing else i am having a problem keeping it clean

get a good variety of snails, nass, certhes, fighting conch, and maybe a tiger tail cuke. those will help keep the sandbed nice and clean. i tend to stay away from sand sifting gobies and starfish as they will eat all the good stuff in the sand.

05/10/2007, 08:35 PM	#1
jakob1977 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: hamilton ontario Posts: 55	test kits i am going to buy salt water test kit which ones do you recommend i am also getting some live rock too

05/10/2007, 08:37 PM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Salifert. Get these to start... Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate Alkalinity Calcium Magnesium Phosphate You can get a pH test as well, but a pH monitor would be more accurate. Don't forget your refractometer for salinity and a thermometer for temp. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

05/11/2007, 03:48 AM	#6
coralfragger101 Gone Postal Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 5,461	Has anyone that recommends Saliferts ever tried the Elos test kits. If you would, you'd never go back. They are simple to use, very accurate and most test have a distinct color change to grade by rather than a "shade" of the same color. Lamottes would be the ultimate but too much money. Elos test kits gets my vote. __________________ Views expressed by this person are not neccessarily the views of any other person and may never be. Apology extended to any member who takes offense to any post. Offense is not meant nor intended. Current Tank Info: NONE - Sold - Can't afford it right now!

05/10/2007, 09:00 PM	#3
NanoGurl Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Earth Posts: 4,306	What DR said.

05/10/2007, 09:47 PM	#4
returnofsid Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 3,852	Just as drummer said, although I'd add pH and not get the phosphate. Phosphate tests are very inaccurate as phosphates bound up in your sand, rock and plants won't show up in a test.

05/10/2007, 10:02 PM	#5
jakob1977 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: hamilton ontario Posts: 55	do you recomend live sand or somthing else i am having a problem keeping it clean