What are your KEY reef parameters

[auto_loader]

We measure and test a lot things in our reef tanks to make sure they are healthy and running right. If you only had the ability to measure just 3 parameters in your SPS reef tank what would you choose to monitor to make sure things in are in check?

For me its:
PH
CA
Temperature

I find that since I have been running a CA reactor and dose kalk, that If my CA is at an acceptable level, then my Alk has always followed at an acceptable range, and I am comfortable enough that I probalby wouldnt have to test for Alk. Ph also seems to tell a lot. Temperature is important enough that I think I have to test for it. With these 3 I think I could keep a reef tank pretty easily. Of course visual observation tells a lot also, but by testing the other parameters, I think I could figure out most problems.

 

[BLKTANG]

ALK.
Temp
SG.

 

[cwegescheide]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8430356#post8430356 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EXPEDITION
ALK.
Temp
SG.

Ditto

 

[auto_loader]

I forgot about SG. I dont think I could go without measuring that..

 

[Amphiprion]

Occasionally:
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium

Slightly more often:
salinity (or specific gravity)

Kinda lazy when it comes to testing.

 

[BLKTANG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8430394#post8430394 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Amphiprion
Occasionally:
Calcium
Alkalinity
Magnesium

Slightly more often:
salinity (or specific gravity)

Kinda lazy when it comes to testing.

if we could have 4 my 4th would b,magnesium.

 

[old salty]

Salinity, pH, and temp would be my three. Of course, Ca and alk would be four and five.

 

[REEF-DADDY]

Ca
Alk
Mg

Temp and Sg should manage themselves imho

 

[gasman059]

4 Parameters

4 Parameters

ALK
CA
PHOSPHATES
PH

 

[BLKTANG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8431580#post8431580 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by REEF-DADDY
Ca
Alk
Mg

Temp and Sg should manage themselves imho

how about when making new salt water.

 

[sTang]

Re: What are your KEY reef parameters

We measure and test a lot things in our reef tanks to make sure they are healthy and running right. If you only had the ability to measure just 3 parameters in your SPS reef tank what would you choose to monitor to make sure things in are in check?

Ca
ALK
Mg

how about when making new salt water.

SG
Ca
Mg

 

[slojmn]

Alk
Ca
SG
My fourth would be temp.

 

[Znut Reefer]

Alk,
Ca
Mag
SG

And of course Temp

 

[REEF-DADDY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8431903#post8431903 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EXPEDITION
how about when making new salt water.

Ca
Alk
Mg
Temp
Sg

 

[Michael Mota]

I think it would be impossible to go on just three levels. but if I had to I would say alk,cal,mag

 

[downset]

If i had to rely on 3 test kits I would just haul buckets of water back form the Atlantic lol

 

[kabal2]

ALK.
Temp
SG
and if i can pick at fourth will be MG

 

[Brewen]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8432447#post8432447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by znut Reefer
Alk,
Ca
Mag
SG

And of course Temp

Same here.

 

[Snausages01]

Temperature and Salinity.

If I didn't have a top-off or do water changes then salinity wouldn't have to be tested. Temperature is good to see if something is going wrong, but I couldn't tell you the last time I checked it. If things were looking bad and I didn't know why right off then temperature would be the first thing I would check.

IMO testing is next to worthless. Simply because there are so many factors that can't be tested for that can effect corals and fish. If you know your reef tank and keep up with things you should be able to spot almost anything (good or bad) just by looking at the tank.

 

[rickyfins]

A fairly simple answer for me.

I test Alk and CA daily and dose/adjust things accordingly as well as temp is a constant visual test on the thermometer, so I would have to lump temp and SG into one test as I do them at the same time. They are the simplest of tests so I figure they only count as one(no need to get new test solutions).

I absolutely never test pH. Why you may ask! Because Alk and Ca dictate pH as well as it is a constant change throughout the day, variable from minute to minute even if it is just the slightest. I feel that it has no bearing on the success of my reef because of its constant fluctuations, so therefore I haven't tested for it in years. I have a successful reef with constant growth so I haven't felt the need to test it either. In fact, I don't even own a pH test kit. LOL

thanks,

Rick