difference

[pagano24]

whats the difference between getting a refractometer and a master test kit?

 

[meowzer]

I am gonna guess....a refractometer is for measuring salinity....the other is for everything else...ex...ammonia, trites, trates, cal, alk etc....

 

[lion_crazz]

Huge difference. Refractometer tests your salt levels, master test kit tests all of your other levels. Salinity is not one of the tests in the master test kit.

 

[pagano24]

if i wanted to take care of corals, what would be the best kit or best way to know about my water levels

 

[lion_crazz]

You would need both to care for corals. You really need both to maintain any kind of saltwater aquarium.

 

[johnr2604]

Originally Posted by lion_crazz
http:///forum/post/3158709
You would need both to care for corals. You really need both to maintain any kind of saltwater aquarium.
I agree,Plus your gonna need more test. To be honest If its the API master kit then the things it comes with I barely use. I check Alk, Calcium, Mag and salinity weekly weekly. I only use the others when I'm cycling a tank or something looks off. You still need them though. Here is a list of the tests and equipment you need to check perameters for corals IMO.

• Refractometer
• ammonia
• nitrite
• nitrate
• ph
  alkalinity
  magnesium
  calcium
  phosphate

 

[flower]

I check my temp daily, my SG once or twice each week, just because it is an easy test to see.
I check once each week:
PH
Alk
Calcium
Phosphates
Nitrates.
Ammonia I check if corals or fish look stressed.
I also keep a log of each test and the results, along with comments on the tank and observations.

 

[pagano24]

thanks for the info. If i didnt have this test, what would u guys suggest i go and get right away. i hear the refractometer are expensive.

 

[xcali1985]

I would also test Iodine. Theres lots of test but usually if the ammo, nitrates, and nitrites are ok. A decent water change will put most everything else back in the right order. My calcium was about 500 thats 80 over the suggested and my polyps wouldn't open up. Then a 20% Water Change and they opened up about an hour later. You should really check them if you are dosing for sure, if you not dosing weekly WCs should keep everything else ok.