Which tests to do??

mikeb · 08-14-2004, 03:22 PM

I'm not sure what tests to perform on my reef. Right now I do the standard ammonia,ph,nitrite,nitrate. Reading through this forum I'm overwhelmed by all the different tests and parameters. Any suggestions on which are the main tests I should be performing. I think that calcium and alk. should be high on the list but am not sure of what else.

I plan to get some LPS's and softs in the near future.

reefman_MC · 08-14-2004, 04:38 PM

Definitely Calcium and Alk, but also Phosphate and Silica. If you really want to keep your calcium and Alk in check Magnesium.

mikeb · 08-14-2004, 04:44 PM

How does the Magnesium affect the calcium and Alk?

mikeb · 08-16-2004, 02:40 PM

Reefman?

reefman_MC · 08-16-2004, 03:17 PM

It will keep calcium from precipitating. Therefore your calcium will not drop and rise. It will stay more constant. You'll want to keep it between 1250 and 1350 ppm.

Jason McKenzie · 08-16-2004, 05:42 PM

[quote author=Jason McKenzie link=board=Newbie;num=1091594299;start=45#51 date=08/13/04 at 09:54:59]Tap Water will result in Phosphates and other nasties that are not commonly measured by Reefers, I would concentrate on Phosphates and silica test kits if using tap water.

As for the CA I would also check you PH and ALK. I don't really like recommending additive at the stage your tank is in. So first I would check the Following
Ammonia (I assume you have already)
nitrite (I assume you have already)
Nitrate (I assume you have already)
CA
Alk
PH
Phosphate
Silicate
magnesium ( not a must but good to know)
Iodine ( have never found a test kit I could even get a good reading from)
Strontium ( not a must but good to know)

These would be your basic water tests with a few extras.

J[/quote]