Hello guys I have another question. My tank has been running about 10months now. I have been testing for the basic things such as amonia, nitrite, nitrate, calc, alk, sg etc. I do 25% water changes weekly and I have not had any problems. I do add strotium to my top off water and I also have a phosban reactor hooked up to my system. I do not have an iodne test kit nor a magnesium kit. Just wanted to know if I really need to test for these things and what must I test for to improve and maintain my corals and growth. Thanks. FYI my water parameters are fine...
What to test for when keeping SPS other than the basic test?
- Thread starter mmotown
- Start date
If your cal and alk are staying up, your mg is probably ok. It should run about 1200-1300.
Your water changes should keep you well off for trace minerals, if you're using a high quality salt.
I don't specifically add strontium: I don't have a test kit for it. I can test for iodine/ide. Phosphate would be a good test, but the test won't detect what's 'bound' in algae, etc, so the best thing is to note if you get an algae bloom, that's sort of it. Your phosban reactor ought to see to that.
Personally I add Kent Coral Vite and Reef Essentials in alternating weeks, and do a 10% water change; but I bought them on a special without knowing box didn't mean one dose. I have a raft of them, so I use them, and detect no particular benefit except an insanely happy and expanded plate coral and frogspawn.
I do think corals are the best test: if they look pinched and conservative, something's wrong, and if they're lush, it's pretty good, in all the things we can't easily read.
Your water changes should keep you well off for trace minerals, if you're using a high quality salt.
I don't specifically add strontium: I don't have a test kit for it. I can test for iodine/ide. Phosphate would be a good test, but the test won't detect what's 'bound' in algae, etc, so the best thing is to note if you get an algae bloom, that's sort of it. Your phosban reactor ought to see to that.
Personally I add Kent Coral Vite and Reef Essentials in alternating weeks, and do a 10% water change; but I bought them on a special without knowing box didn't mean one dose. I have a raft of them, so I use them, and detect no particular benefit except an insanely happy and expanded plate coral and frogspawn.
I do think corals are the best test: if they look pinched and conservative, something's wrong, and if they're lush, it's pretty good, in all the things we can't easily read.
Thank you...just trying to add a bit of humor....people kinda of lose site of the prize here at RC from time to time....just a little comic relief after a few tense threads yesterday....
All test kits are good, just get a good brand!
Clkwrk, my friend red bugs or not want to do an acro trade? I always 6 hour dip interceptor anyways...
I need to get some of my pictures posted...I just joined and have been TRYING to act like I know what I'm talking about....lol...now I guess I should post pics so you guys don't think I'm just throwing around poor advice...lol
Doc
All test kits are good, just get a good brand!
Clkwrk, my friend red bugs or not want to do an acro trade? I always 6 hour dip interceptor anyways...
I need to get some of my pictures posted...I just joined and have been TRYING to act like I know what I'm talking about....lol...now I guess I should post pics so you guys don't think I'm just throwing around poor advice...lol
Doc
raddogz
Premium Member
This is what I have in my arsenal of test kits and in the order I test - Calcium, Alkalinity, & Magnesium.
I have a phosphate test kets and a few others, but rarely test for those unless I see that there is a problem. Good flow, lighting, and water changes in my opinion are key in keeping SPS.
I have a phosphate test kets and a few others, but rarely test for those unless I see that there is a problem. Good flow, lighting, and water changes in my opinion are key in keeping SPS.
salt-rookie
In Memoriam
Calc, Alk, Refractometer are a must. It is worth noting that MANY levels will vary dependant on the salt mix you use. Calcium is no problem with Oceanic, Alkalinity is generally not a problem with IO. However, IO is generally low on Mangesium. There isn't a simple answer.
