testing your tank

[anthonys51]

just wanted to start this thread and hopefully help someone new to the hobby or even some of us who been in the hobby for years. have stuff grow for 6 months to a year just to die in a couple of days. This wasn't meant to be the bible, and there are many good test out there. i am not saying my way is the best or the right way, just that these are the test i like the best and work for me. also maybe people test less and can grow great tanks, but for me my tank started to take off once i started this routine. also make sure you write down your numbers to go back later

what you need to test, and the kit i use, how often, and what range is ok to have. not saying you cant be out of this range

alk-hanna checker- 2 times a week (range 8-10)
phosphates- Milwaukee - once a week (range .03-.1)
nitrates- salifert- once a week (range 2ppm-15ppm)
mag- salifert -once a month (range 1350-1450)
calcium -salifert - once every 2 weeks (380-450 )

there is no reason to test your ph, if you have a skimmer and all those numbers are in line it should be ok.

 

[mcgyvr]

Good luck...
Sadly most don't read the information that this site already has... (it could be organized much better too but thats another days battle...)

 

[Skynite]

Good test kit you can recommend? Or is it best to assemble individually?

You didn't mention Salinity, would salinity only be checked in your mixing station or do you need to routinely check it also?

 

[crawlerman]

you need to check your salinity in the display as well. Little things like coral dipping, skimming, acclimating fish and the salt creep you find reduce salinity. It actually drops faster than you would think. Every 2 weeks or so would be fine.

 

[anthonys51]

Good test kit you can recommend? Or is it best to assemble individually?

You didn't mention Salinity, would salinity only be checked in your mixing station or do you need to routinely check it also?

oh yes test salinity with refractometor. should be 1.025-1.026 and i dont test often, but once a month is safe

 

[anthonys51]

Good luck...
Sadly most don't read the information that this site already has... (it could be organized much better too but thats another days battle...)

some people will never learn, but that doesn't mean you stop trying