Ideally, what should I test for in a reef system?

[Lizardgi]

So I've recently discovered that my API test kits are all expired, and I'd like to place a new order today. I'm going to for sure order Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, pH, and Calcium tests. Would phosphate and KH also be helpful? Would I really use them?

 

[dcantucson]

If your keeping hard corals a Phosphate test is a must.

 

[Lizardgi]

I do plan to keep hard corals down the road - thanks!

 

[little_fish]

the alkalinity test is also a must

 

[Lizardgi]

Looks like I'll go all out and just get everything at once. Better safe than sorry!

 

[fastrd400]

For your hard corals you will want to test for Calcium, Magnesium, and Alk, along with the basics.

 

[dcantucson]

The better question is "What do I not need to test for?" in this hobby.

 

[wontonflip]

If your keeping hard corals a Phosphate test is a must.

But I thought high phosphates = algae = no phosphates cuz the algae eats it up? I bought a phos tester...it was zero..cuz DUH I have chaeto LOL

 

[Dana42078]

You could limit yourself to just a few but imo if your going to do it, go all out.
I have....


1.Ammonia
2. P.H
3. Nitrate
4. Nitrite
5 Calcium
6. Phosphates
7. KH

Cha ching....this hobby gets expensive

 

[fastrd400]

You don't really need to test for phosphates, unless you think you are having an issue with them.

Good water quality should keep them in check, I don't test for them at all. I have a limited amount of SPS, alot of LPS, and a lot of shrooms and zoas. My tests include:

1) Amonia
2) Nitrite
3) Nitrate
4) Calcium
5) Magnesium
6) Alk.

I have a Ph meter, so no test for that either.

You will need to test for the basics as well as anything that you dose, i.e. BRS 2 part, B-Ionic, baking soda.............

 

[Dana42078]

You don't really need to test for phosphates, unless you think you are having an issue with them.

Good water quality should keep them in check, I don't test for them at all. I have a limited amount of SPS, alot of LPS, and a lot of shrooms and zoas. My tests include:

1) Amonia
2) Nitrite
3) Nitrate
4) Calcium
5) Magnesium
6) Alk.

I have a Ph meter, so no test for that either.


You will need to test for the basics as well as anything that you dose, i.e. BRS 2 part, B-Ionic, baking soda.............

Indeed.....i HAD.... a phosphate problem...HAD being the key word:mrgreen::Cheers: