Speartheman

Hello I'm Speartheman what I need to know is beside four reg. test what should I test for the last time I had a tank was 1979 i'm starting all over

 

Are you going to be running a reef or just a fish only tank?

 

I must have a reef ! my first tank was only fish it gets old fast

 

I hear that.
I would test Calcium and Alkalinity / KH for sure in addition to the standard 4.
Others that are good to test can be listed here.
http://www.salifert.com/
Salifert tests take longer than most but I believe most people here would say they are very reliable.

Also make sure you use Activated Carbon and then if you ever add iodine or magnesium you get test kits as well.
If you are not running RO water and find you have algae after your cycle you will want to check for Phosphates as well.

 

thanks for the info will get kits in the morning

 

For reef, you will be testing a lot of stuff. It really depends if you intend to dose, but you should monitor your chemicals to insure they are at safe levels and are constantly present for your corals consumption.

Basic 4
+ Calcium/Alk like mentioned
+ Iodine
+ Iron (Great for Zooxanthellae health and macro-algae health)

There are test kits for reef. It really all depends on what you intend to dose, but Calcium is a must.

 

Welcome to 3reef first of all!
As for the tank and testing go IMO, I would test for anything that you supplement. So if you supplement with iodine, iron or strontium etc., then I would test for those.
The main test kits to have are PH, KH/GH, phosphates, calcium, NH4, NO2, NO3 and salinity.
Best of luck with your new reef tank!!!!!!Feel free to ask question-someone will be able to help ya here as there are many knowledgeable and experienced people to offer advice opinions and expertise.

 

Don't forget about other metals that are in tap water, not just phosphates.

 

hello and welcome to the forum.

they sell test kits that are multi kits ammonia/ nitrite/ nitrate/ ph and alkalinity that might be a good one to start off with

 

welcome to 3reef