testing ???

[roxy6684]

Ok, so I am new and about to put my live rock in, & I need to know exactly what all I need to test for....? Like Ph, Iron, Nitrate, Nitrite, Phos, Calcium, GH, KH, Ammonia...etc... Which ones of these are important when puttng my Live rock in?? Do I have to buy a Test kit for each of these just to be able to put my rock in? Thanks

Jen

 

[tanker]

I would not even test during my first 2-3 weeks. Let nature settle tank. Then test for ammonia and nitrite.

PH and Nitrate after everything is settled.

Calcium if going reef.

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

alk. along with cal.

 

[bertoni]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

That article is worth reading, IMO.

I would test for ammonia from the start, to help guide in doing water changes. Most of the other tests can wait until you're ready to add animals, IMO. If you're lighting the tank and want coralline growth, alkalinity and Ca might be good to test, though.

 

[hans1976]

And don't forget salinity.........the best way to test that is using a refractometer.