What else should I be testing for ?
- Thread starter Stody0
- Start date
StodyO,
here is more then you need and comprehend at this time so save it and go to it as needed and as you can start putting it together no insult intended!!!
As you read them and specific questions come up ask here first not the LFS
Reef Chemistry Articles - Reef Central Online Community Archives
here is more then you need and comprehend at this time so save it and go to it as needed and as you can start putting it together no insult intended!!!
As you read them and specific questions come up ask here first not the LFS
Reef Chemistry Articles - Reef Central Online Community Archives
David Shaw
Well-Known Member
And remember to keep everything clean 
I had made a post about what to test for and test kits some time ago. I had a tough time finding it, but here it is repeated. (Could this be the next "standard lecture"?(grin))
There are a host of items that you may wish to test for in a reef system.
First before you worry about the other tests, make sure your SG is correct. I highly recommend using a refractometer for this measurement. Aquarium grade hydrometers tend to be very inaccurate, especially when used over time.
Once you have the SG correct you'll need the following test kits for the initial cycle -
pH (This can also be done via a pH meter, which is more accurate, and expensive)
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate (low range)
To properly monitor the water, especially for corals, these these kits are often used -
KH or Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphate
There are a host of other test kits you can get. I have some of them but do not typically use them.
Iodine - only needed if you are dousing iodine, which is not something I recommend.
Copper - only needed if you are treating a disease in a QT tank with copper.
Silicate - only needed if you suspect a problem with silicate in the water.
Strontium - only needed if dousing strontium
I think I've covered most of the major ones.
Each test kit works differently, so you need to consult the manufacturers instructions for each test.
As for brands, in aquarium grade test kits I like Elos and Salifret. LaMotte test kits are excellent, but extremely expensive. Most of the others are ok. Like anything else you get what you pay for.
If you do get a reading that seems way off, repeat the test, and if it still seems way off, use another brand test kit and repeat the test. In other words, consider that the test kit may be wrong.
You'll notice that you most likely will need to get a lot of test kits. It's often a lot less expensive to order them via the net, and you'll also know the test kit hasn't been sitting on the LFS shelf for years.
There are a host of items that you may wish to test for in a reef system.
First before you worry about the other tests, make sure your SG is correct. I highly recommend using a refractometer for this measurement. Aquarium grade hydrometers tend to be very inaccurate, especially when used over time.
Once you have the SG correct you'll need the following test kits for the initial cycle -
pH (This can also be done via a pH meter, which is more accurate, and expensive)
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate (low range)
To properly monitor the water, especially for corals, these these kits are often used -
KH or Alkalinity
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphate
There are a host of other test kits you can get. I have some of them but do not typically use them.
Iodine - only needed if you are dousing iodine, which is not something I recommend.
Copper - only needed if you are treating a disease in a QT tank with copper.
Silicate - only needed if you suspect a problem with silicate in the water.
Strontium - only needed if dousing strontium
I think I've covered most of the major ones.
Each test kit works differently, so you need to consult the manufacturers instructions for each test.
As for brands, in aquarium grade test kits I like Elos and Salifret. LaMotte test kits are excellent, but extremely expensive. Most of the others are ok. Like anything else you get what you pay for.
If you do get a reading that seems way off, repeat the test, and if it still seems way off, use another brand test kit and repeat the test. In other words, consider that the test kit may be wrong.
You'll notice that you most likely will need to get a lot of test kits. It's often a lot less expensive to order them via the net, and you'll also know the test kit hasn't been sitting on the LFS shelf for years.
Thanks Dave !
