test kits what do you use
- Thread starter Peccavi18
- Start date
cloakerpoked
New member
I use a master kit, although I don't check ammonia, nitrite, or pH with it, so from now on I'll probably just get the nitrate test by itself. I probably only test nitrates once a month. (I have a pH probe, so that's where I measure that from.) The other things I test are phosphates (maybe twice a month), salinity (just whenever I glance at the hydrometer), alkalinity (2-3 times a week), calcium (2-3 times a week), and magnesium (twice a month).
cloakerpoked
New member
pm cleared...alright, works for me
cloakerpoked
New member
got salifert kits for $17 each off ebay....
Tswifty
New member
API test kits perfectly fine. I use them whenever I forget to order the Salifert ones ahead of time.
Dip strips are fine for ammonia, and have even seen them recommended for Nitrate... but for the Ca, Alk, and Mag... you want to get the titration/color changing kits instead of the dip strips.
Magnesium is supposed to be harder to find an accurate test for, and I usually see the more expensive kits (Salifert, Elos, or LaMotte) recommended.
Dip strips are fine for ammonia, and have even seen them recommended for Nitrate... but for the Ca, Alk, and Mag... you want to get the titration/color changing kits instead of the dip strips.
Magnesium is supposed to be harder to find an accurate test for, and I usually see the more expensive kits (Salifert, Elos, or LaMotte) recommended.
Last edited:
cloakerpoked
New member
The nice thing about Mg is that you don't need to test it as frequently....
cloakerpoked
New member
Since I just talked to you, I would def. recommend phosphate and nitrate. If you want ammonia and nitrite, go for it, but you'll probably be testing those very infrequently due to the established time of your tank.
I think a lot of times we make the mistake of assuming that everyone on here is doing SPS/LPS, but in this case, the OP is not doing those for now. Until he does, having calcium, alk, and mag really won't be important at all. Before you do go sps, def. go get those test kits. Until you do, save the money and your time.
I think a lot of times we make the mistake of assuming that everyone on here is doing SPS/LPS, but in this case, the OP is not doing those for now. Until he does, having calcium, alk, and mag really won't be important at all. Before you do go sps, def. go get those test kits. Until you do, save the money and your time.
Peccavi18
New member
Nate I want to thank you for the frags!!! I acclimated then dropped them in the tank about 1:30am and all but the GSP have opened up already. I decided while I was acclimating to redo the rock work again, I think I finally found a set up I like. I removed two 10lbs plus chunks of base rock but it really opened up the tank. I was able to get a lot of caves and openings with only a small portion of the actual rock touching the sand bed. I also separated the refugium from the main tank to store the extra rock in, and tossed a small handful of cheato and put the rest in the main display in a corner for now to see if that would help my skimming at all and maybe liven up my Xenia.
As for test strips as Nate (cloakerpoked) said I haven't stepped up to LPS and SPS just yet. I really want some LPS in the future and eventually SPS but right now I am just gonna concentrate on softies till I feel I have the knowledge and gear to handle the harder stuff. Seems like I can't go wrong with API or Salifert kits I will do some searching this week and see what I can find.
As for test strips as Nate (cloakerpoked) said I haven't stepped up to LPS and SPS just yet. I really want some LPS in the future and eventually SPS but right now I am just gonna concentrate on softies till I feel I have the knowledge and gear to handle the harder stuff. Seems like I can't go wrong with API or Salifert kits I will do some searching this week and see what I can find.
Aqua-World PITT
In Memoriam
Elos and Sailfert are the best brand that I have ever used. We test our water (CA, Alk, Mg) almost every day. I have used almost every brand out there and those two are my top favorites.
superstein61
New member
Kerriann - thats a tough question to answer as you can see from this article
That said, I have at times raised my Mg levels to around 1500 (well above the 1285 on NSW) with no ill effect. I don't however know the effect of low Mg since I keep mine at least at the 1250 - 1300 range.
As per your other post, IO is light on Mg in their mix so it is something you may want to test and possibly supplement depending on what you are keeping
That said, I have at times raised my Mg levels to around 1500 (well above the 1285 on NSW) with no ill effect. I don't however know the effect of low Mg since I keep mine at least at the 1250 - 1300 range.
As per your other post, IO is light on Mg in their mix so it is something you may want to test and possibly supplement depending on what you are keeping
cloakerpoked
New member
Mg should be more important for a tank trying to grow SPS or LPS since as I understand it, it's main purpose is to keep the calcium and calcium carbonate in a useable and accessible form for your corals. The Mg draw on a tank like theirs should be primarily limited to coraline algea growth...
superstein61
New member
I agree Nate
