Water test?

[captainnemo]

I'm in the 2nd day of cycling my 29gal tank. I'm using deli shrimp from my local supermarket. I have no LR or LS. I got the temperature cranked up to 90 degrees F, and I'm not using the lights.
My question is, how often or when should I start testing the water? The LFS said I should give it 2 weeks, is this true?
And also, what is the best for money water test kit to purchase for my fish only tank?
Thank you for all the help.

 

[broomer5]

My first question is why do you feel you should have the temperature "cranked up" to 90 degrees ?
As for testing your water - most people like to monitor the tank cycling - it allows you to "see" what is happening to your levels.
How often is up to you - the more often you test the better understanding you'll have of where you are at in the process.
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
pH
and temperature
Should all be watched
Salifert test kits are good.
FasTest also makes a good kit for all of the above
90 degrees ???????

 

[bbreaux1]

raising the temp will help the bacteria reproduce faster but im not sure about 90 degrees specially since youll have to lower the temp for the fish the temp shock might kill the bacteria although thats juts what id think

 

[broomer5]

My question to CaptainNemo - why you felt you should have the temperature at 90 F.
I was curious if you had read it somewhere or was going by recommendation of your lfs folks.
Bacteria will reproduce just fine in water temperature of 72 to 78 degrees.
At higher temperatures there certainly is less oxygen in the water.
Oxygen is saturated in saltwater somewhere near 75 degrees F.
Was just curious - that's all

 

[captainnemo]

Yeah, I thought 90 is too high, but thats what the 12 year old at the LFS told me to do. I'm new in central Florida(Kissimmee area)and this is the closest (30 miles) marine LFS in the area.

 

[broomer5]

I would suggest that you consider lowering your temperature back down to a more reasonable range, somewhere around 74 to 78 degrees while cycling your tank.
If you've already done so - kindly disregard this message.
Good luck cycling your tank and testing it's progress

 

[captainnemo]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP!!!

 

[jonthefb]

by the wayare you planning on adding live sand or rock at a later date? just curious as to why!
jon