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[mylittlebutton]

i was just talking to my fish guy about buying a water testing kit and he told me he could order a master testing kit like the one he uses in the store but it will cost me around 75$. does that sound right? is there a special test kit that i should be using? he would rather me just keep bringing in my water samples, wouldnt it be better to have my own? also i have been feeding my tank frozen brine shrimp when i asked him about krill and mysis he said its all the same. it doesnt matter what to use is this true? i did buy frozen mysis and frozen plankton and i have frozen brine any suggestions? like get a new fish guy!!?

 

[nm reef]

Personally I prefer to test my own water samples and I use Salifert tests for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/calcium/alkalinity/phosphates. All the salifert tests are available from numerous on-line vendors.
For food I try to use an assortment of foods to offer a varied diet....I use mysis/brine/krill plus numerous other foods on a regular basis.

 

[flamingkingofhe]

you can check out the test kits at www.*********.com they have some good deals
Sorry but links of that nature are not allowed.

 

[debbers]

When I was first starting up my tank, I bought a "master" kit because it was more economical than buying each one individually. It was about $45 and included high-range pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Since then I have also added calcium, alkalinity, and phosphate tests. I prefer to do my own testing, since I can do it whenever and how often I want and don't have to rely on the LFS staff for the results.
Like NM reef said, I also feed a variety of foods. I learned here that a varied diet is best (and that brine shrimp alone aren't a good steady diet). I'm feeding on a rotating basis: Omega 3 brine, Emerald Entree, Marine Cuisine, Squid, and Mysis.
That's one great thing about this board... you learn from the best!
Good luck!
~D~

 

[phoenixrising]

I vote for the Salifert. The "master test kit" he is likely referring to is made by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and NOT a good choice.
As for food, I think you have again received less than ideal advice from your fish guy. I feed mine a LARGE variety of stuff and the menu changes constantly. I also add Zoe, Zoecon, and Garlic Elixir randomly. My freezer is packed with multiple varieties of fish food (some of my fish are fairly large and eat ravenously).
My best advice to you is DUMP THE FISH GUY and get your information right here! Employees in your average every day LFS generally speaking are less than ideally knowledgeable about salt water fish. Do your learning here and then if you need to pick up something locally, at least you will be armed with valid information!