Must have test kits

[NastyZ]

So I was wondering, what are the must have test kits for sps or the ones that need/should be tested for the best results (color and growth): alk, cal, mag, po4, no3 what else should we be testing for in sps tanks

 

[pakirri]

CAL, ALK, Phosphate, Nitrate, mag & Potassium

 

[Peter Eichler]

CAL, ALK, Phosphate, Nitrate, mag & Potassium

Since I've made it through 30 years of reefkeeping without testing potassium I'm going to have to disagree on this one. Also, there's no good evidence to suggest that potassium levels are an important factor in keeping sps corals healthy and colorful. The others I would agree with, though unless it's a Hanna checker or other higher quality colorimeter I wouldn't bother much with PO4 test kits.

 

[reepher315]

I agree with the first 5. But if you are dosing any suppliments you should have the respective test kit. I had to get an iodide test recently.

 

[bogg]

Hey peter testing for potassium is a major thing
For some people running fancy lns or ulns it's a must
Or you can just use your eyes and dose lol it but it IS important to some

Also isn't it better to have an idea of what's going on with your tank meaning
More testing the better! Even if the accuracy is slightly off you'll still have a general idea of what's going on say your getting a po4 reading of .50 or .05 you'll have the jist of what's happening IMO
I shoot for the highest quality available for me it's lamotte elos Hanna etc
I don't think shooting down any test is a positive action
Of Course the big 3 ca alk mag are first up to be used most
It's nice to have a quality salinity tester also
I have a lab grade lamotte to cross check my refracto etc

 

[Peter Eichler]

Hey peter testing for potassium is a major thing
For some people running fancy lns or ulns it's a must
Or you can just use your eyes and dose it but it IS important to some

I've heard what you just said many times, I've seen zero scientific evidence to prove it. I haven't even seen any good anecdotal evidence. Just some supplement companies trying to cash in since they know that many aquarists will dump just about anything in their tank that you tell them they need.