Test Kits

oscarslr · 07/31/2007, 11:46 PM

What test kits are necessary to get started?? i want to use salifert test kits so is there like a starter pack they carry???????

bertoni · 07/31/2007, 11:50 PM

For initial startup, ammonia and nitrate test kits are useful. I use a pH meter, but pH is important as well. If the tank is going to have corals or coralline algae, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium are useful to test. Phosphate test kits can be useful for stony coral tanks.

This article covers all the water parameters:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

It discusses which tests are critical and why.

AquaReeferMan · 07/31/2007, 11:52 PM

I dont think sailfert sells a starter pack. They are all individuals.
IMO you will need the following:
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Ph
Phosphate
then later on you might need these:
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium
Copper

dareefking · 08/01/2007, 12:09 AM

I think if your just setting a tank up you should be akay using API, although if $$ is no object, Sailfert is the way to go. Just a little to pricey for me and they are more complicating to use. I will switch one day to Sailfert but right now I like my money and my API gives a pretty accurate reading.

I guess I feel with the API I can tell what adjustments need to be made as far as nitrates, pH, Ca, etc.

07/31/2007, 11:46 PM	#1
oscarslr Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 782	Test Kits What test kits are necessary to get started?? i want to use salifert test kits so is there like a starter pack they carry??????? __________________ Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. Aristotle Current Tank Info: 225g All Starphire tank/ SPS dominated 4 mp40s ATB 1050A 8 60w T5

07/31/2007, 11:50 PM	#2
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	For initial startup, ammonia and nitrate test kits are useful. I use a pH meter, but pH is important as well. If the tank is going to have corals or coralline algae, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium are useful to test. Phosphate test kits can be useful for stony coral tanks. This article covers all the water parameters: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php It discusses which tests are critical and why. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

07/31/2007, 11:52 PM	#3
AquaReeferMan Got Reef? Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Under the Sea, Pa Posts: 4,593	I dont think sailfert sells a starter pack. They are all individuals. IMO you will need the following: Ammonia Nitrite Nitrate Ph Phosphate then later on you might need these: Calcium Alkalinity Magnesium Copper __________________ Couple SPS/Zoanthid tanks and a couple of FW planted tanks. Current Tank Info: 5 pieces of glass with some silicone and plastic frames holding them together

08/01/2007, 12:09 AM	#4
dareefking Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Metairie Posts: 93	I think if your just setting a tank up you should be akay using API, although if $$ is no object, Sailfert is the way to go. Just a little to pricey for me and they are more complicating to use. I will switch one day to Sailfert but right now I like my money and my API gives a pretty accurate reading. I guess I feel with the API I can tell what adjustments need to be made as far as nitrates, pH, Ca, etc.