Test Kits for keeping SPS, and dosing help

jjk_reef00 · 01/18/2009, 03:10 AM

I'm trying to move into SPS coral and need some help.
I don't know a lot about reefing, my current tank is healthy because I do regular water changes.

Does anyone know a thread for testing water conditions for keeping SPS corals.
I've had good luck with beginner corals: hammer, xenia, mushrooms, etc

I test with API reef test kit:

Tests calcium, carbonate hardness, phosphate and nitrate levels

I know SPS requires pristine conditions.

Any recommendations or anyone know a thread that has this info?
(It seems different things I read all say something different)

Also anyone know a thread with (or willing to post here) a complete list of water parameters I should achieve?

Any recommendations for what to dose on a 120 gallon tank?
How often/ how much.

I have not dosed my tank before and any help would be greatly appreciated.

jjk_reef00 · 01/18/2009, 03:25 AM

Ok so I found this

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1179702

about Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium.

Any recommendations for test kits?

reefworm · 01/18/2009, 08:07 AM

La Motte for nitrate, alk and Ca++ is what I use. also use elos for PO4 and Mg, and salifert for ammonia and nitrite.

the only dosing I do is kalkwasser drip 24/7 and an occasional "bump" of B-Ionic and Mg when the levels get lower that the drip and water changes handle

cham · 01/18/2009, 08:22 AM

What your testing now is fine. The phosphate test is really worthless. IME, there are really no P04 test kits that are reliable once you get in the ultra low P04 levels.

I use the eyeball P04 test kit. If my corals are brown and I'm seeing problematic algea then I need to change my media/increase vodka dosing.

So it looks like you're good to go with test kits.

01/18/2009, 03:10 AM	#1
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	Test Kits for keeping SPS, and dosing help I'm trying to move into SPS coral and need some help. I don't know a lot about reefing, my current tank is healthy because I do regular water changes. Does anyone know a thread for testing water conditions for keeping SPS corals. I've had good luck with beginner corals: hammer, xenia, mushrooms, etc I test with API reef test kit: Tests calcium, carbonate hardness, phosphate and nitrate levels I know SPS requires pristine conditions. Any recommendations or anyone know a thread that has this info? (It seems different things I read all say something different) Also anyone know a thread with (or willing to post here) a complete list of water parameters I should achieve? Any recommendations for what to dose on a 120 gallon tank? How often/ how much. I have not dosed my tank before and any help would be greatly appreciated.

01/18/2009, 08:07 AM	#3
reefworm Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Waxhaw, NC USA Posts: 2,139	La Motte for nitrate, alk and Ca++ is what I use. also use elos for PO4 and Mg, and salifert for ammonia and nitrite. the only dosing I do is kalkwasser drip 24/7 and an occasional "bump" of B-Ionic and Mg when the levels get lower that the drip and water changes handle __________________ "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." - Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 29 gal. reef/assist with 75 gal. at the school

01/18/2009, 03:25 AM	#2
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	Ok so I found this http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1179702 about Alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium. Any recommendations for test kits?

01/18/2009, 08:22 AM	#4
cham Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Winter Garden, FL Posts: 3,632	What your testing now is fine. The phosphate test is really worthless. IME, there are really no P04 test kits that are reliable once you get in the ultra low P04 levels. I use the eyeball P04 test kit. If my corals are brown and I'm seeing problematic algea then I need to change my media/increase vodka dosing. So it looks like you're good to go with test kits.