test kit recomendations

[michael grady]

what test kits will i need as i set up mu 110? any particular brand?

Thanks!

 

[KrisDeitz]

Elos for me. I was API at first and it did the job.

 

[smallblock]

Elos, Amoninia, nitrate, nitrite, PH, Phosphate, Magnesium, Calcium, Alkalinity

I think thats about it, I may be leaving one out

Edit: you also should pick up a refractometer to measure Salinity. Also a good thermometer. I use a digital one that measures meat when you cook it. You can find them in the grilling section at lowes/HD

 

[ralph atl]

Smallblock;686422 wrote: Elos, Amoninia, nitrate, nitrite, PH, Phosphate, Magnesium, Calcium, Alkalinity

I think thats about it, I may be leaving one out

Edit: you also should pick up a refractometer to measure Salinity. Also a good thermometer. I use a digital one that measures meat when you cook it. You can find them in the grilling section at lowes/HD

:up:

 

[gnashty]

Smallblock;686422 wrote: Elos, Amoninia, nitrate, nitrite, PH, Phosphate, Magnesium, Calcium, Alkalinity

I think thats about it, I may be leaving one out

Edit: you also should pick up a refractometer to measure Salinity. Also a good thermometer. I use a digital one that measures meat when you cook it. You can find them in the grilling section at lowes/HD

:up:

 

[twood]

To save some money, get the API test kits for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. API kits are not the most accurate, but while the tank is cycling you don't really need high accuracy. You just need to see if those elements are present. Once the tank is fully cycled, you will rarely need to test for Ammonia and Nitrite. Also get either Elos or Salifert kits for PH, Nitrate, and Phosphate. If you are setting up a reef tank also get them for Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium as well. You will use these kits for your ongoing maintenance.

In case you are wondering why you need these:

Ammonia and Nitrite are toxic to fish and should not be present at all after the tank cycles.

Nitrate and Phosphate promote algae growth and are unhealthy for corals. They need to be kept as low as possible.

Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium need to be properly balanced for coral growth.

 

[acroholic]

I am using Elos for KH/CA and Alk.