P
phillips
Guest
how important is it to test calcium and phosphates
moneyman
Member
Originally Posted by phillips
how important is it to test calcium and phosphates
IMO, testing phosphate is not important. The phosphate you test is 'free' phosphate. And, that's minute compared to the 'locked' phosphate. Both type of phosphates contribute to algae growth.
It is important to know your calcium level. However, I dont test often. I used to test my calcium level weekly until I get a steady pattern. Then, I just test maybe once every month or two right before the water change. I test every new batch of salt to get a base. I dose kalkwasser twice/three times a week.
how important is it to test calcium and phosphates
IMO, testing phosphate is not important. The phosphate you test is 'free' phosphate. And, that's minute compared to the 'locked' phosphate. Both type of phosphates contribute to algae growth.
It is important to know your calcium level. However, I dont test often. I used to test my calcium level weekly until I get a steady pattern. Then, I just test maybe once every month or two right before the water change. I test every new batch of salt to get a base. I dose kalkwasser twice/three times a week.
reefnut
Active Member
I would agree kind of on the phosphates... the test kits we get test for inorganic phosphates and not organic phosphates but IMO it's still important to test every now and again. A build up of phosphates can cause havoc.
Calcium & alkalinity IMO are two of the most important tests... IF you are dosing calcium and alkalinity. If you are not adding it then there is no reason to test for it... on the other hand ALWAYS test anything you dose!!
Calcium & alkalinity IMO are two of the most important tests... IF you are dosing calcium and alkalinity. If you are not adding it then there is no reason to test for it... on the other hand ALWAYS test anything you dose!!