We all test Cal, Alk, Mag. What else do you test for?

[xenon]

We all know calcium, alkalinity and magnesium are important to test for in our reef.

Many SPS keepers also talk about maintaining low phosphate and nitrate levels but what else do you test for?

I have started testing for potassium and potassium iodide and since maintaining those levels properly, my blue/purple and pink/reds have exploded.

It seems potassium is responsible for pink/reds and potassium iodide for blue/purple.

What else should I test for?

 

[aandfsoccr04]

I keep an eye on temp, ph, and nitrates.

 

[BFG]

Xenon, what level do you maintain for the 2 parameter?

 

[Tweaked]

Xenon, what level do you maintain for the 2 parameter?

On the red sea program, so weekly I test Ca, Alk, Mg, No3, & PO4. Add to that I monitor temp and Ph with a controller. I was going to start the final piece to the "triangle" and test my trace elements, but heard it is not really needed. Most say their elements were fine, especially if you use the salt, and ABC+ from Red Sea as they contain balanced amounts (supposedly lol) of the elements.

 

[mlydy]

Anybody used the digital test kits that are available?

 

[Fastcroc]

If I had the money right now I would shoot for the Hanna checkers. Seem like decent products from what I've heard, can anyone chime in with experience?

I have been testing with redsea kits for PH, Ca, Mg, Kh, No3, Po4, salt, and temp. I was about to find a decent potassium kit because I've heard that needle wheel impellers in skimmers break down the potassium. Would like to find out for myself!

 

[westreef]

What test kits do you use to test Potassium?

 

[clown-t]

i use a hanna checker on all three alk, cal, phophates and use a salifert to check potassium. i like the hanna checker alot. the alk and the pho are easy to use with a little math on the alk but the cal u have to be carefully when adding your tank water for a correct reading.

 

[psykobowler]

Just the 3 - ca, mg, kh. You could eyeball the tank for algae if carbon dosing or gfo is needed. I'ld hate to pay more for additional unnecessary testing. Temp, ph are shown on the apex.

 

[xenon]

Xenon, what level do you maintain for the 2 parameter?

400 for potassium and 0.03 for iodide. I use Tropic Marin Pro Reef and potassium is 300 and iodide is 0.00.

Anybody used the digital test kits that are available?

I use the hanna checker for Alkalinity and phosphates but the calcium version is useless because the sample is only 0.1ml so its not enough sample to get an accurate reading. Test it 10x and you will get 10 different results.

What test kits do you use to test Potassium?

I use the new Salifert Potassium test kit. Its so easy to use the the color change from white/cream to blue is very noticeable.

 

[discocarp]

Here's what I test for:

Salinity (pinpoint conductivity meter)
Temp (Ranco controller and a cheapo thermometer)
Ca (salifert)
Alk (salifert)
Mg (salifert)
N (salifert)
P (hanna ULR)
EDIT: forgot pH (pinpoint)

 

[a.browning]

I check:

SG (BRS refractometer)
Temp, pH (apex)
Ca, Mg, NO3 (Salifert)
PO4, Alk (Hanna)

 

[xenon]

Interesting.

I am really surprised that potassium and iodide are not mainstream just yet.

Especially considering how much influence they have over certain SPS colors.

 

[BrianN]

Interesting.

I am really surprised that potassium and iodide are not mainstream just yet.

Especially considering how much influence they have over certain SPS colors.

For what I know, most of reefers not gonna test for potassium or iodide. I know it's part of Eco system, but it's barely got depleted. When you do water change, it'll make up for them. Just my two cents.

 

[Reef264]

The usual:
Calcium -Salifert
Alkalinity -Salifert
Magnesium -Salifert

Temp, pH Monitored & controlled via Reef Keeper.

I additionally test weekly for potassium, and strontium via Salifert.I also test weekly for Iodine via Seachem test kit.

Once in a while I will test for Iron.

-Ray

 

[Reef264]

Double Post Perpatrator has struck again...

 

[xenon]

For what I know, most of reefers not gonna test for potassium or iodide. I know it's part of Eco system, but it's barely got depleted. When you do water change, it'll make up for them. Just my two cents.

This may be true in a mixed reef with minimal corals using a salt that has high levels of trace elements.

From my experience, an SPS dominated tank can deplete potassium and iodide MUCH faster than you can replace with small 10% per week water changes.

I use 4 drops per day of lugols solution and 6ml per day of Fauna Marin Ultra Easy K.

Let's not forget that when I tested a fresh batch of newly mixed salt @ 1.026 using Tropic Marin Pro Reef, I was testing potassium at 300 and iodide at 0.00. No amount of water change would help maintain the proper levels because its not even proper right from the bucket.

 

[aqua80]

Alk, and calcium
once in a while mg and salinity
rarely nitrates and phosphate...
don't bother to calibrate my ph probe
temp on apex

 

[Allmost]

I dont test .....

I keep my eyes on my corals. they tell me everything about water.

 

[tripdad]

You talk about various elements for various colors. I saw in another thread where you spoke of this also, Do you have a reference for this. Not doubting you but am always on the lookout for more knowledge and this is very soecific info your giving. If there is a reliable source I would like to purchase...read...learn from it.Thanks.