Testing requirments?

MikeP471612 · 11/03/2006, 03:04 PM

I picked up a test kit at the LFS, the kit includes tests for ammonia, PH, nitrite, and nitrate. Are there tests in this kit that aren't important? Is there other things I should be testing for? I'm wondering if I should take this kit back and buy individual kits if this one tests for stuff I don't need to worry about or doesn't test for everything I need to keep an eye on.

Thanks

sir_dudeguy · 11/03/2006, 03:21 PM

those 4 are the basic and most important 4. Then if you're keeping corals, you'll want to know calcium and magnesium and alk. Also...you'll need a way to find the specific gravity (sg...the salt level) if you dont have one right now. I recommend a refractometer.

MikeP471612 · 11/03/2006, 03:42 PM

I have a hydometer now but plan to buy a refractometer. I heard they are more accurate.

J. Montgomery · 11/03/2006, 04:31 PM

I second what The Dude said. I have a Red Sea kit that has those four basic tests, but its really a P.O.S. b/c the color increments are vague . . . you end up kind of guessing if your reading is one or the other . . . though I guess you can at least know if your levels are through the roof.

11/03/2006, 03:04 PM	#1
MikeP471612 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 379	Testing requirments? I picked up a test kit at the LFS, the kit includes tests for ammonia, PH, nitrite, and nitrate. Are there tests in this kit that aren't important? Is there other things I should be testing for? I'm wondering if I should take this kit back and buy individual kits if this one tests for stuff I don't need to worry about or doesn't test for everything I need to keep an eye on. Thanks

11/03/2006, 03:21 PM	#2
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 10,841	those 4 are the basic and most important 4. Then if you're keeping corals, you'll want to know calcium and magnesium and alk. Also...you'll need a way to find the specific gravity (sg...the salt level) if you dont have one right now. I recommend a refractometer. __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!!

11/03/2006, 04:31 PM	#4
J. Montgomery Mouth Pipetting Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 6,278	I second what The Dude said. I have a Red Sea kit that has those four basic tests, but its really a P.O.S. b/c the color increments are vague . . . you end up kind of guessing if your reading is one or the other . . . though I guess you can at least know if your levels are through the roof. __________________ Josh

11/03/2006, 03:42 PM	#3
MikeP471612 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 379	I have a hydometer now but plan to buy a refractometer. I heard they are more accurate.