What to test for during cycle?

[Nick30G]

As i put my tank together here in a few weeks and assemble all the equipment, I was wondering what test kits i should buy during the cycle? I know that obviously i will need to test for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. My question is do i need to test for anything else during that cycling period? Like maybe Phosphate and PH possibly? And obviously later on Calcium, Alkanity, and Magnesium before I add corals. What test kit brand should I buy for Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate? I have heard alot of people swear by Salifert test kits and others Red sea. Just want to make sure i get a accurate test kit that wont throw the results off and throw the tanks chemistry off.

 

[nereefpat]

Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate for cycle. I would just get cheap API kits for these, since you won't use them much (if at all) after the cycle. Don't bother testing pH.

If you are adding corals, pick up test kits for Ca, alk, and Mg.

Also, RODI water with a TDS meter is usually a must have.

 

[Nick30G]

Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate for cycle. I would just get cheap API kits for these, since you won't use them much (if at all) after the cycle. Don't bother testing pH.

If you are adding corals, pick up test kits for Ca, alk, and Mg.

Also, RODI water with a TDS meter is usually a must have.

Sure do got a RODI unit. BRS 4 stage with a booster pump so i am all set. Will look at the API test kits! What test kits do you recommend for Calcium, Alk, and Mag?

 

[nereefpat]

salifert and red sea seem to be the most popular here for those three. I use API for Ca and alk. You will see many different opinions on test kits.

 

[ReeferNoob4ever]

I use salifert for MAG and O2. I use API for the rest (for years). The key with API test kits is looking for drastic changes in the results that would indicate a problem rather than exact measurements, because lets be frank, API can be difficult to read.

For cycling I use the 5 in 1 strips and ammonia strips from API to keep it real cheap and simple.

 

[nereefpat]

Why test for O2? A tank with any flow and surface agitation will be oxygen saturated.

 

[ReeferNoob4ever]

What are some reasons CO2 might build up in a tank and lower O2?

 

[Sk8r]

lack of surface gas exchange (size of tank relative to depth), number of fish, too high a temperature, and inadequate turnover of pump...ie, water isn't getting cycled through pump fast enough.

Things that increase oxygenation: a potent pump, a waterfall, cheato moss in a fuge, and moderate temperature.

 

[ReeferNoob4ever]

I don't know why I test for O2. I notice when it was 7 my pH was 8.1 at 8 pH is 8.3

 

[stelliofleondis]

When ammonia disappears then test for nitrite then nitrate

 

[nereefpat]

What are some reasons CO2 might build up in a tank and lower O2?

I can only think of two likely scenarios.

1. Power failure to all pumps.
2. Bacterial consumption of oxygen to process waste from a severe overfeeding or massive death of inhabitants.

I don't see how testing for oxygen would help in either case. You would notice a power failure or dead livestock.

I could see how a DO probe that would notify you if there is a drop could be useful, especially if it talked to your phone for example.

 

[Sk8r]

PH is rarely useful in marine testing unless you have chronic exposure to, say, a furnace near a basement sump. Replace testing for that with frequent alkalinity testing. The readings are related, but alk tells you more and stays far steadier.