Kits for FOWLR tank

sfboarders · 08/13/2009, 12:11 PM

I plan on starting a 100 gallon FOWLR tank. I have everything set already (tank, stand, sump/refugium, protein skimmer, t5 lights, heater, return pump, Reef Keeper Lite 3, RO/DI, brute garbage cans for mixing) with the exception of substrate and LR which I'll probably get from my LFS. But I was wondering on the most important part which is the water. Can you tell me if the following testing and water mixing kit is good to get? Also do I need to get any additives or conditioners? Any other important things I am missing? TIA!

API Master Test Kit

Saltwater Mixing Kit

sfboarders · 08/14/2009, 10:44 AM

I know you guys test and mix your water. Any suggestions?

Ranchhand02 · 08/14/2009, 10:54 AM

I have the testing kit and it has worked good for me. Check out rockquatics.com for some good deals on live rock.

sfboarders · 08/14/2009, 12:28 PM

Thanks for the response! Are those 4 things all I need to test (High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate)? Are there any additives that I should buy? Will the refractometer with the Saltwater Mixing kit be ok for me?

Macimage · 08/14/2009, 09:25 PM

I have used that AP test kit for ammonia, ph, nitrates and nitrites since I started over 9 years ago. It is the only kit you will need for a fowlr. If you decide to do a reef, you'll need magnesium, alkalinity and calcium test kits. For those tests, I use Salifert.

Yes, a refractometer is really required when you have a saltwater tank.

I don't recommend any additives or conditioners unless you will be converting to a reef and then you would need alk, mag and calcium additives.

Have fun!
Joyce

sfboarders · 08/14/2009, 11:12 PM

Thanks Joyce for the info. Does the saltwater mixing kit look like a good investment? I know refractors are pretty pricey and the kit seems like a good deal with all the other stuff.

Macimage · 08/15/2009, 08:49 AM

Yes, the mixing kit looks fine. You can always buy more or longer tubing at Home Depot or Lowes. A refractomer is a must have, the salt is a good brand, the maxijet is a reliable pump and you will need a heater for your mixing tank. I use a bigger pump and larger heater in my 50 and 65 gallon mixing barrels, but as you go along you will pick up and end up with extra stuff

.

Dr. Fosters also has one, but it doesn't have the salt, so the MD one looks better:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=14675

Joyce

thegrun · 08/15/2009, 09:16 AM

At some point it will be a good idea to get a TDS meter (under $20 on e-bay) to be sure your RO/DI water is good.

sfboarders · 08/15/2009, 10:29 AM

Thanks for the info! I'll check out ebay for a TDS meter. I'll make sure to add the mixing kit to my order. Thanks everyone!

08/13/2009, 12:11 PM	#1
sfboarders Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 808 State Posts: 1,356	Kits for FOWLR tank I plan on starting a 100 gallon FOWLR tank. I have everything set already (tank, stand, sump/refugium, protein skimmer, t5 lights, heater, return pump, Reef Keeper Lite 3, RO/DI, brute garbage cans for mixing) with the exception of substrate and LR which I'll probably get from my LFS. But I was wondering on the most important part which is the water. Can you tell me if the following testing and water mixing kit is good to get? Also do I need to get any additives or conditioners? Any other important things I am missing? TIA! API Master Test Kit Saltwater Mixing Kit

08/15/2009, 08:49 AM	#7
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	Yes, the mixing kit looks fine. You can always buy more or longer tubing at Home Depot or Lowes. A refractomer is a must have, the salt is a good brand, the maxijet is a reliable pump and you will need a heater for your mixing tank. I use a bigger pump and larger heater in my 50 and 65 gallon mixing barrels, but as you go along you will pick up and end up with extra stuff. Dr. Fosters also has one, but it doesn't have the salt, so the MD one looks better: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=14675 Joyce

08/14/2009, 10:44 AM	#2
sfboarders Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 808 State Posts: 1,356	I know you guys test and mix your water. Any suggestions?

08/14/2009, 10:54 AM	#3
Ranchhand02 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 532	I have the testing kit and it has worked good for me. Check out rockquatics.com for some good deals on live rock.

08/14/2009, 12:28 PM	#4
sfboarders Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 808 State Posts: 1,356	Thanks for the response! Are those 4 things all I need to test (High Range pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate)? Are there any additives that I should buy? Will the refractometer with the Saltwater Mixing kit be ok for me?

08/14/2009, 09:25 PM	#5
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	I have used that AP test kit for ammonia, ph, nitrates and nitrites since I started over 9 years ago. It is the only kit you will need for a fowlr. If you decide to do a reef, you'll need magnesium, alkalinity and calcium test kits. For those tests, I use Salifert. Yes, a refractometer is really required when you have a saltwater tank. I don't recommend any additives or conditioners unless you will be converting to a reef and then you would need alk, mag and calcium additives. Have fun! Joyce

08/14/2009, 11:12 PM	#6
sfboarders Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 808 State Posts: 1,356	Thanks Joyce for the info. Does the saltwater mixing kit look like a good investment? I know refractors are pretty pricey and the kit seems like a good deal with all the other stuff.

08/15/2009, 09:16 AM	#8
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	At some point it will be a good idea to get a TDS meter (under $20 on e-bay) to be sure your RO/DI water is good.

08/15/2009, 10:29 AM	#9
sfboarders Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 808 State Posts: 1,356	Thanks for the info! I'll check out ebay for a TDS meter. I'll make sure to add the mixing kit to my order. Thanks everyone!