Testing the waters??

[suzimcmullen]

I am using the basic API test kit that tests only for nitrates, nitrites, PH and Ammonia. Yesterday and today my reef tank has tested right on. PH 8.2, Ammonia 0, nitrates 0, nitrites 0. As soon as I can swing it I'll pick up more tests for some of the other things to test for.

1- how often do you test once you have cycled?

2- Should I consider myself cycled, or do I need to do daily readings longer? I don't have any fish in this tank now and don't plan to put the others back in for at least a couple months.

3- How many of you use API tests? The pet store I went to this weekend was out of their master reef test kit. Do any of you use that?

4- The tank is 14 gallons, bio-cube, no skimmer, heated to 78. Is 3 gallons per week water change ok? Is it better to do all 3 at once or does it matter if I do 1-2 gallons every 3-4 days instead? I find it easier to do smaller changes rather than bigger ones. But I'll do it all on one day if I need to.

Thanks

Suzi