started over

[kristytang]

so via the advice of many on here i restarted my tank. i had a huge 'jump start' that was heading down hill fast. i sold my 37 gal, got a 29 biocube then transfered all of my water, some LR, and sand over. the only animals i kept were GBTA, clown, one peppermint shrimp, five hermits, my glove polyps and my zoas. that was about two months ago.
so, now i have a lot of questions.
first, my gloves havent opened in a few days and they have green tips (looks like they turned inside out or something). are they dying? everything else seems to be doing great. ive never seen them do this and cant seem to find anything on it.
im getting some test kits, right now all i have is nitrite, ph, and alk. i plan on getting calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and ammonia. any others i need?
i want to get a refractometer. what is the best 'bang for my buck'? i dont have a ton of money to blow on this but i dont want to get a cheap one that doesnt even read better than my current hydro. theres just so many out there!
any modifications i should do to the bio? and is a protien skimmer neccisary? (also, what does a protien skimmer do )
thanks in advance. you guys are always so helpful and i just want to make it known how greatful i am.

 

[Playa-1]

We're not going to be able to give you solid information without first knowing what your water parameters are. A couple of Photos would also be beneficial. I would get a good refractometer, thermometer, and test kits for the following. That should be a good start.

PH
Ammonia
nitrates
temp
Salinity
Alk
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphates

Here's a link for a reasonably priced refractometer. I've seen the same exact model sale on ebay a few time a little bit cheaper, if you want to do your homework to save a few bucks.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+9957&pcatid=9957

 

[kristytang]

any specific brand you recomend for test kits?
for my parameters, this is all i can test for

temp: 78 degrees
SG: 1.025
nitrite: .1 (ive been trying to get it to lower but it wont go)
PH: 8.0
alk: dont know how to read since its a color fade chart but its right in the middle of the normal range

thanks for the link, i will have to check that one out.

 

[crvz]

you get what you pay for with test kits, I recommend titration based setups that provide more fidelity in testing. mostly, though, I just stick to what salifert makes.

 

[Playa-1]

I also use salifert.

 

[kristytang]

ok so i got the rest of the test kits (all but magnesium which i couldnt find and the lady at the FS said it isnt needed since its so trace and i would rarely need to add it-true?)
can someone help with my other Q's?