new to water testing, on an established tank.

Have my 30g tank for almost a year, LPS and BTA are both growing nicely, but the 2 SPS that I have aren't really taking off, so I am looking to start dosing. What test should I do on my water? I know alk and calc are a must, do I need to do nitrate as well? I do WC every 3-4 weeks and only have 3 fish.

 

Cal/Alk and Magnesium.

Magnesium is actually very important, it will tell you a lot about why your Ca and Alk levels are where they are at.

I would occasionally test for nitrates when you see browning of corals and algae growth.

Of course if you see stress to corals and fish test for ammonia and nitrites.

 

guess i will just get those 3 tests for now to keep the initial cost down, thanks

 

well, you really should have at a nitrate kit too.