new to sps, have ?'s

[theROYSKIE]

hey guys,
i have been reefing for the last ten years but usually kept it to soft and lps coral
i am now just getting into sps, read the thread about cal/alk/mag and had a few questions( there is so much info... got a little confusing)

what r the best kit(s) to buy when testing for mag.
i have the api reef master test kit- nitrate, calcium, carbonate hardness(kh), and phosphate. to my understanding alk is carbonate hardness.

when testing for alk it is measured in "dkh", is this the "kh" for carbonate hardness that the test kit mentioned above(api) tests for?

what test kit should i purchase to monitor mag levels?

what is the best way to keep mag levels up to snuff?

best way to keep alk levels up to snuff?

does the calcium reactor do anything other than influence calcium levels?

i appreciate the info and advice,
if there r threads that have already been up to explain all this just point me too it
thanks!

 

[somdinwong]

does the calcium reactor do anything other than influence calcium levels?
yes
keeps cal,alk and mag if the right media is used. i loved my calcium reactor but my tank outgrew it. been doing sps for 3-4 years now. any questions you might have drop me a pm

 

[Dejavu]

what test kit should i purchase to monitor mag levels?
I use Salfert seems to work weel.

what is the best way to keep mag levels up to snuff?
Do-It-Yourself Magnesium Supplements
for the Reef Aquarium

best way to keep alk levels up to snuff?
2 part or a Ca reactor

does the calcium reactor do anything other than influence calcium levels?
No, a Ca reactor is a accentualy a alk reactor. Calcium Reactors"¦ In, Out and Everything in Between