which test is the most important?

Splendid · 07-20-2006, 01:26 PM

We always test our water but we are not sure which one is the most important?

Woodstock · 07-20-2006, 01:49 PM

I voted 'other'.

For newly set up tanks, ammonia and nitrItes are the most important. Assuming that the tank is cycled completely, rarely are the ammonia and nitrItes an issue.

For established FO tanks, nitrAtes and PH are most important.

For Reef tanks, nitrAtes, calcium, alkalinity, and PH are most important.

Snelly40 · 07-20-2006, 01:58 PM

ammonia is the number one killer of fish,
however nitrItes are the most poisionous, so i voted for that

they are all important in their own way though and all need to be monitired

lcstorc · 07-20-2006, 02:03 PM

I voted nitrates mostly because that is where many people have problems. I currently test for ph, nitrates, calcium, phosphates, alkalinity and magnesium on a regular basis. There are probably a few I should add such as stronium but this seems to be working for me so far. Oh almost forgot two important ones. Salinity and temp. Both are very important and sudden changes in either can cause big problems.

BoomerD · 07-20-2006, 03:31 PM

Let's not forget one VERY important test...one that many of our other test results base on...specific gravity/salinity...

Gina · 07-20-2006, 05:59 PM

I voted other mostly becuase I feel all the test are important in their own way.
Some just more than others.

john · 07-20-2006, 10:35 PM

ammonia obviously but for well established tanks,id have to say calcium and alk.

tatuvaaj · 07-21-2006, 02:51 AM

I can't name the most important test but here are the essentials IMHO:
salinity, pH, calcium, alkalinity, temperature

For nutrient profile I use (in this order):
phosphate, nitrate, silicates

For geeks

:
magnesium, boron, iodine, strontium, oxygen etc.

Witfull · 07-21-2006, 07:00 AM

dont forget wetness~ if your tank is dry,,,,thats a serious issue~

blue_eyes53813 · 07-21-2006, 10:25 AM

I think we need to add all those "others " into the poll..... I agree on salinity, temp, calcium for reefs alk and ph....

Cougra · 07-21-2006, 10:36 AM

I don't think that any one test is more important then any other test. They should all be done on a regular basis and even people with established tanks should have ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH,Alk, Calcium, SG, and Temperature testing available at all times. Even if you don't use the ammonia and nitrite tests one a regular basis, it's very important to be able to test for them as soon as there are signs of trouble in the tank. Waiting till the next day to get a test kit could be fatal and wont give you accurate results because the ammonia or nitrite causing a problem could have already disappeared by that time but the damage could already be done.

This is one of the reasons it's so important to take ALL tests as soon as you see a problem in the tank! When asking for help the more we know about the tests results taken as quickly as possible the better we would be able to help! If someone waits two or three days before testing the water then whatever they post is pretty much useless information.

Frankie · 07-21-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Witfull

dont forget wetness~ if your tank is dry,,,,thats a serious issue~

LOL. I voted other also. Im testing mostly for calcium atm. I test for others as i see fit.

Boomer · 07-22-2006, 01:57 AM

I agree with Tatu. However, the # 1 killer and not just fish but inverts also is ammonia. Even if your tank is running well and something dies on you and the water does not turn cloudy, which it may not and things start to fall off like flies, it will be ammonia (unless it is some other toxin we can not test for). A wiped out tank before you know what is going on. Low alk, low Ca++, high nitrates, etc. or high or even a high pH or even a fairly low pH dose not take out things like ammonia will. Even salinity does not. Pretty much what Cougra is getting at.

however nitrItes are the most poisionous

This is a myth and has been for decades. Nitrite is not toxic in seawater. It is toxic in FW amd is way "salt" ( often table salt) is added to a FW tank with high nitrite, to reduce its toxicity and prevent methemglobinemia.

Boomer · 07-22-2006, 02:02 AM

dont forget wetness~ if your tank is dry,,,,thats a serious issue~

Yes, the best test kit for that is feet on floor, dry or wet

Socks are optional, shoes not allowed. For most reefers it is the look on the wifes face

tatuvaaj · 07-23-2006, 02:31 AM

OK, I'll admit I've never tested for ammonia

I agree it's important parameter though because of it's toxicity, I'll start a new thread in the chemistry forum to ask what test kit to get

View Poll Results: which test matters the most?!
Nitrate	7	29.17%
PH	4	16.67%
amonia	6	25.00%
other (please post below)	7	29.17%
Voters: 24. You may not vote on this poll

07-20-2006, 01:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
Splendid Midas Blenny Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 109 View Gallery Karma Komment	which test is the most important? We always test our water but we are not sure which one is the most important?

07-20-2006, 01:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 22,857 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: which test is the most important? I voted 'other'. For newly set up tanks, ammonia and nitrItes are the most important. Assuming that the tank is cycled completely, rarely are the ammonia and nitrItes an issue. For established FO tanks, nitrAtes and PH are most important. For Reef tanks, nitrAtes, calcium, alkalinity, and PH are most important. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* ~120 Reef Chronicle ~ *~Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* "Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________ 120 mixed reef, dual Reeflux 10k 250 MHs, dual Geiseman Actinic T5s,Neptune AC III, ASM g3, 2x Korallia #3, Mag 9.5 return

07-20-2006, 01:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
Snelly40 Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,446 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? ammonia is the number one killer of fish, however nitrItes are the most poisionous, so i voted for that they are all important in their own way though and all need to be monitired __________________ Snelly's 90gal Reef-O-Rama *Member-"Crabs Are Evil" Society* In Hoc Signo Vinces

07-20-2006, 02:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 18,462 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: which test is the most important? I voted nitrates mostly because that is where many people have problems. I currently test for ph, nitrates, calcium, phosphates, alkalinity and magnesium on a regular basis. There are probably a few I should add such as stronium but this seems to be working for me so far. Oh almost forgot two important ones. Salinity and temp. Both are very important and sudden changes in either can cause big problems. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

07-20-2006, 03:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,632 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? Let's not forget one VERY important test...one that many of our other test results base on...specific gravity/salinity... __________________ Intelligence is not knowing all the answers, but knowing where and how to find them! www.google.com

07-20-2006, 05:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
Gina Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,823 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? I voted other mostly becuase I feel all the test are important in their own way. Some just more than others. __________________ Gina and Mark's 75 Visit Our Sponsors Gina's Cube Gina

07-20-2006, 10:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
john Ricordea Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: ohio Posts: 188 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? ammonia obviously but for well established tanks,id have to say calcium and alk.

07-21-2006, 02:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
tatuvaaj Fire Coral Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tampere, Finland Posts: 64 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? I can't name the most important test but here are the essentials IMHO: salinity, pH, calcium, alkalinity, temperature For nutrient profile I use (in this order): phosphate, nitrate, silicates For geeks : magnesium, boron, iodine, strontium, oxygen etc. __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society* Tatu Vaajalahti Tampere, Finland

07-21-2006, 10:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,255 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: which test is the most important? I think we need to add all those "others " into the poll..... I agree on salinity, temp, calcium for reefs alk and ph.... __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

07-21-2006, 10:36 AM	#11 (permalink)
Cougra Dragon Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 2,216 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? I don't think that any one test is more important then any other test. They should all be done on a regular basis and even people with established tanks should have ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH,Alk, Calcium, SG, and Temperature testing available at all times. Even if you don't use the ammonia and nitrite tests one a regular basis, it's very important to be able to test for them as soon as there are signs of trouble in the tank. Waiting till the next day to get a test kit could be fatal and wont give you accurate results because the ammonia or nitrite causing a problem could have already disappeared by that time but the damage could already be done. This is one of the reasons it's so important to take ALL tests as soon as you see a problem in the tank! When asking for help the more we know about the tests results taken as quickly as possible the better we would be able to help! If someone waits two or three days before testing the water then whatever they post is pretty much useless information. __________________ Michelle Just because something CAN be done, it doesn't mean that it SHOULD be done!

07-22-2006, 01:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,072 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? I agree with Tatu. However, the # 1 killer and not just fish but inverts also is ammonia. Even if your tank is running well and something dies on you and the water does not turn cloudy, which it may not and things start to fall off like flies, it will be ammonia (unless it is some other toxin we can not test for). A wiped out tank before you know what is going on. Low alk, low Ca++, high nitrates, etc. or high or even a high pH or even a fairly low pH dose not take out things like ammonia will. Even salinity does not. Pretty much what Cougra is getting at. however nitrItes are the most poisionous This is a myth and has been for decades. Nitrite is not toxic in seawater. It is toxic in FW amd is way "salt" ( often table salt) is added to a FW tank with high nitrite, to reduce its toxicity and prevent methemglobinemia. __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

07-22-2006, 02:02 AM	#14 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,072 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? dont forget wetness~ if your tank is dry,,,,thats a serious issue~ Yes, the best test kit for that is feet on floor, dry or wet Socks are optional, shoes not allowed. For most reefers it is the look on the wifes face __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

07-23-2006, 02:31 AM	#15 (permalink)
tatuvaaj Fire Coral Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tampere, Finland Posts: 64 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? OK, I'll admit I've never tested for ammonia I agree it's important parameter though because of it's toxicity, I'll start a new thread in the chemistry forum to ask what test kit to get __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society* Tatu Vaajalahti Tampere, Finland

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