Testing

[NanoReefer27]

Since I'm gonna go for a big purchase soon with some nice corals, I thought it would be wise to start testing for the other four important parameters such as alkalinity, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium. I don't think I'm leaving anything out. I already have the basic API kit for pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. For things like frogspawn, hammer, maybe a birds nest it might be wise to test for the other four. Any recommendations for test kits for those other four important parameters for corals? Not looking to spend a ton of money on a stupid test kit just something middle of the line.

[fishfreak0114]

I have the salifert alk, calcium and phosphate test just and they seem accurate. They seem to cost $20 or thereabouts each

[NanoReefer27]

Do I even need to worry about magnesium if i am changing 25% every week?

[mystersyster]

Do I even need to worry about magnesium if i am changing 25% every week?

I would say no.

[Clown79]

Yes.

 

If magnesium gets low, you will have nothing but issues maintaining ca and alk.

 

I don't know why ppl are advising against testing magnesium when it is 1 of the most important elements.

 

 

Once your tank is cycled, ammonia and nitrite testing can be ditched unless you see signs of them. I keep those kits for emergency only.

 

If you have corals- ca, alk, mag, phos, nitrates are a must to test.

[NanoReefer27]

So any other suggestions for testing kits?

[Clown79]

Specific kit brands? Some test kits like Magnesium are only available in Salifert, Red Sea, and ai believe Hanna

 

I use salifert for ca, mag, and phos-

 

I use Api for Alk, salifert is good too

 

Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate i used Api

 

Ph - i've used various kits.

[reefer4eva]

If your testing calcium,magnesium and alkalinity I highly recommend using salifert test kits.using API test kit for those paremeters will never give you accurate results and in the longoing run its the corals that will suffer