I am new to saltwater aquariums and want to make sure my parameters are correct before I consider live stock right now I have a 75 gallon with live sand and will be getting some live rock but mostly dry rock later this week. I am seeking a break down on how to correctly check and maintain my water parameters as well as suggestions on test kits there seems to be a lot of different methods, tips, and opinions out there some are conflicting so any advice you have to offer will be helpful.I apologize if this topic has been covered already as I'm sure it has. Some more info on my tank is I have 2 hob filters to which I will be adding broken up live rock to and eventually will get a hob skimmer open to suggestions on the skimmer as well. The tank is not drilled and so there won't be a sump on this one. Thanks in advance!
Water testing for dummies
- Thread starter Emsoden
- Start date
downbeach
New member
There's a lot that can be said here, but I'll start with a few basics. I would make sure to use RO/DI water both for making the ASW, and for topping off for evaporation. If you intend on having a reef tank I'd suggest getting a decent testing device for your SG, i.e. refractometer, along with a proper 35ppt calibration solution to keep it accurate, and mix your ASW to a SG of 1.026(35ppt). As far as test kits, I think API would be fine during the initial cycle period. Once you system has cycled, you might want to get something with a little better resolution i.e. Salifert or Red Sea Pro for Ca, Mg and Alk. As far as a HOB skimmer, I'd look at the Reef Octopus BH90 for your system.
You might also consider etching your dry rock before you add it to your system, which will help to aleviate any PO4 that may/will be attached to it.
You might also consider etching your dry rock before you add it to your system, which will help to aleviate any PO4 that may/will be attached to it.
