Test Kits

when starting a tank, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate; once up and running i test for salinity with a refractometer, calcium and alkalinity, and magnesium once in a while. a phosphate kit is nice, but a decent one will cost you $90
 
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

That article talks about water parameters in general, and lists the critical ones. I test alkalinity, salinity, and pH the most frequently. Calcium and magnesium I test every couple months or so. Ammonia, phosphate, and nitrate test kits can be useful for diagnosing problems or judging suitability for various animals.
 
Right now I am thinking about the following test kits:

Salifert pH

Salifert Ammonia

Salifert Nitrate

Salifert Magnesium

Salifert Calcium

Salifert Kh/ Alkalinity
 
Looks like a reasonable set. You could consider getting a pH meter instead of a kit. They're more expensive, at least initially, but more flexible and easier to use, IMO.
 
I would advise on getting a phosphate kit. Salifert is about $17.00 from marine depot.

If you have to drop one from the list, I'd say drop Mg and get PO4 for starters.

I also agree on getting a pH meter
 
my final list of test kits to get:

Salifert:

ph
Kh/Alkalinity
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
Calcium
Copper
Phosphate

I would like a ph meter but my budget won't allow it
 
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