Water Test Kit

[texas14tom]

I have a fish only tank with live rock and I'd like to get some idea of what all I need to be testing for. I have been researching all the different types of kits I can get but I really don't know what all I need to be testing for..
I currently have the API saltwater master kit
PH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate.
What more should I be testing for and what brand kit do you prefer?

 

[meowzer]

For FO that is a good kit.....later you may want to test for calcium (use salifert) alkalinity (use salifert)

 

[texas14tom]

Why later and when is later? Meowzer to my rescue again!!!

 

[meowzer]

If you decides to get corals the calcium and alk is more important to keep track of

 

[texas14tom]

ah ok makes sense, with any luck at all my kids will all grow up big and strong and they will be the visual enjoyment. thanks again meowzer!!

 

[cubnb79]

https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/forum/thread/387060/need-some-help-opinions-thoughts-whatever-is-good-lol/20
this is my test results of 3 diffrent test just for nitrate that i just did tonight dont know quite what to think of it yet but it sure is interesting

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by cubnb79 http:///forum/thread/387163/water-test-kit#post_3405421
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/forum/thread/387060/need-some-help-opinions-thoughts-whatever-is-good-lol/20
this is my test results of 3 diffrent test just for nitrate that i just did tonight dont know quite what to think of it yet but it sure is interesting
API test kits are not good for testing nitrates, however fish don't care about high nitrates, only inverts and corals do. If you have shrimp, snails and crabs....you need a better kit. I like the seachem kits. The multi test kit is cheaper than purchasing the tests individually. Seachem also has a test to test the accuracy of the results so you know if it is reading correctly.

 

[cubnb79]

+1 ^^^^^^^

 

[rainbow grouper]

the only time you need to get a calcium tester is if you get hard corals or shelled invertebrates or shrimps

 

[kuja]

I would suggest getting an iodine tester, since many fishies need iodine in the water to prevent them from getting goiters...

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by kuja http:///forum/thread/387163/water-test-kit#post_3405608
I would suggest getting an iodine tester, since many fishies need iodine in the water to prevent them from getting goiters...
Iodine can be replaced through regular water changes. Many fish get goiters due to malnutrition and not being fed a well rounded diet to meet their dietary needs. Eels are a prime example of this.

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by kuja http:///forum/thread/387163/water-test-kit#post_3405608
I would suggest getting an iodine tester, since many fishies need iodine in the water to prevent them from getting goiters...
UM.....disagree here....