Test Kits(what Tests Do I Have To Have)

[gypsie32]

I need to order a test kit. What tests do I have to have to start? I am just setting up my 1st Tank. Are there some tests I will do all the time and some not that often? I heard Sefreit test are the best is this true?....any info will be helpful/

 

[leopard_babe]

I also just started. I have a marine tests kit. It test the
1 Nitrate
2 Nitrite
3 Ammonium
4 Ph
5 Alkalinity
These are the basics that you will need to start. The first 3 are very crutial to find out when your tank is cycling. This is what I have for a fish only tank. Hope that helps you.
Sarah

 

[wablondie98664]

i have not used salfert, but have also heard it is the best. the most important tests to keep up on are the ammonia, nitrite nitrate and ph

 

[gypsie32]

Thanks everyone

 

[bdhough]

If you are doing fish only then you need ammonia, ph, nitrate, and nitrite. If you are doing a reef then add calcium and KH to that list. I like the aquarium pharmacuticals tests for the first four and KH and salifert is probably the most accurate calcium test kit you can get.

 

[bdhough]

Good point. Aquarium Pharmacuticals sells the first four i mentioned in a "Saltwater" kit for 20 dollars. About as cheap as it gets.