~Testing~

[Woodstock]

I left out ammonia and nitrIte since those are only tested during a cycle period/crash.

I test every few months for Ca, Alk, salinity, No3, PO4, and Mg. I have a PH monitor so that gets tested constantly


Please let us know your testing regimen!!

[KimPossible]

I still love to test my water.
My girls help....they think im a scientist..hahaha!!!

[Woodstock]

LOL Kim~

Get a Salifert Iodine test kit You'll have a ball with that one!!

[Woodstock]

You reefers that are choosing "OTHER" need to let us know what it is you test for~

[jimeluiz]

While I still test weekly, with few exceptions, I am more and more glancing at the tank and making my assessment based on the appearance of all inhabitants.

When I first started in the hobby two years ago (wow, time flies) I was sceptical of those who insisted they "could tell by looking at the tank" when things were off. Now I understand that I know my tank well enough to notice even the slightest change going on in there.

But like Kim -- I like testing!

Ultimately I have become more relaxed about leaving the tank for a long weekend.

[cheeks69]

I test salinity weekly, cal/alk every couple of weeks and nitrates every few months since I have a regular W/C schedule and they stay real low I'll just check them for peace of mind.

[fidojoe]

I can honestly say I do not test anymore. The only test kits I own are my corals, they tell me when somethings wrong. If nothing looks happy, I do a waterchange, if nothing changes within 24-48 hours, I will take my water to the LFS where they'll do Ca, Ph, trates, trites, amm, and alk. I haven't had to do that yet tho, since I haven't had any problems in about a year.

[corvettephreek]

i voted other, but i now see that nitrates and ammonia dont count.... i think they do, but i test to make sure.

PH
ammonia
Nitrates
Nitrites
Phosphates
Calcium
and of course, taste.

[Dakota]

i only test for ca and alk about every 2 weeks mag about every month or 2 may test ph every great once in a while. never test for ammonia, nitrite or nitrate.

[bourganaes]

I like to test salinity 2 or 3 times a week- PH weekly and the rest only occasionly as long as everyone in my tank seems happy

[Woodstock]

Check this out: The Hach DR/890 Colorimeter

For $961 (plus regeants) you could have up to 100 different tests!! The price is not as high as I would have guessed it to be.

[Rougiem]

Hummm...Well if $1000= falls in my lap...I will try it Woody! Not likely, but I can think about it? Why spend that kind of money? I taste my tank water for all these test, works much better, I do this for a small fee if anyone is interested...

I test weekly salinity, alk, and Calcium. Nitrates and pH on a monthly basis.

Cheers!

[Woodstock]

Funny Rodger Did Witfull teach you that taste-test?? hehehe

I would love to have that tester... that's my kind of toy~~

[Rougiem]

No he did not, but maybe we can put our heads together?...One common result I do tell people when I taste the water..."Yep This is salty!"

Cheers!

[dobejazz]

I used to test weekly I have fallen off and now only test before I add a new fish or coral or if someone is not doing well. My question is when is the best time to test before a waterchange or after or does it even matter when you test?