Testing... 1-2-3... Testing

[elfloyd]

Let's talk about testing...

Am I correct in stating the basic tests needed for a reef tank are:
<ul>
<li>alkalinity</li>
<li>ammonia</li>
<li>salinity</li>
<li>copper</li>
<li>nitrate</li>
<li>nitrite</li>
<li>pH</li>
<li>temperature</li>
</ul>Is anything else needed for the health of Fish, SPS, LPS, and inverts?

Can any of these be electronically probed (Aquacontroller, Reefkeeper)?

And finally... what is your testing kit of choice?


Thanks.....

 

[drnecropolis]

elFloyd;295292 wrote: Let's talk about testing...

Am I correct in stating the basic tests needed for a reef tank are:
<ul>
<li>alkalinity</li>
<li>ammonia</li>
<li>salinity</li>
<li>copper</li>
<li>nitrate</li>
<li>nitrite</li>
<li>pH</li>
<li>temperature</li>
</ul>Is anything else needed for the health of Fish, SPS, LPS, and inverts?

Can any of these be electronically probed (Aquacontroller, Reefkeeper)?

And finally... what is your testing kit of choice?


Thanks.....

That looks like all the tests I run(Minus the Copper, since I have never added it and never plan to)

I use cheap API kits for pH,Ammonia,Nitrite and Salifert for the rest

 

[drnecropolis]

dawgdude;295306 wrote: I would remove copper since if there is any you have to take the tank down pretty much and add magnesium and calcium. Controllers will only tell you the ph and orp and you will have to still test for them on a regular basis for a long time. You need an established system up for atleast 6-12 months with good lighting and your params all stable for a month before you add corals. Take it really slow or you will have it come back to bite you. I would also make sure you have a high quality skimmer running.

Good catch.. I didnt even notice Cal and mag not on the list..

 

[elfloyd]

Thanks... yeah I know... s-l-o-w.. !!! That's the hard part.. but I understand!