Water Testing

bswe22

Member
I have started a 10 gallon tank that I am going to turn into a reef tank. I test the water for the four basics and all is good. When do I start testing for Alkalinity, Calcium and anything else I should test for? My LFS says I don't need to worry about it right now.
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
has it cycled yet or did you just recently add water and rocks and stuff?
 

truperc

Member
Originally Posted by bswe22
http:///forum/post/3181665
I have started a 10 gallon tank that I am going to turn into a reef tank. I test the water for the four basics and all is good. When do I start testing for Alkalinity, Calcium and anything else I should test for? My LFS says I don't need to worry about it right now.
Can you define what you are calling "the four basics"?
What corals are you planning to keep?
Typical parameters to check would be - Nitrate, Phosphate, Temp, Salinity, PH, Alk, and Calcium.
 

bswe22

Member
Originally Posted by TruPerc
http:///forum/post/3181778
Can you define what you are calling "the four basics"?
What corals are you planning to keep?
Typical parameters to check would be - Nitrate, Phosphate, Temp, Salinity, PH, Alk, and Calcium.
The four basics are Nitrites, Nitrates, Ammonia and PH. I am not sure what corals I am going to keep just yet. I put in a Pulsing Xenia and a Zoanthus.
 

truperc

Member
Originally Posted by bswe22
http:///forum/post/3182354
The four basics are Nitrites, Nitrates, Ammonia and PH. I am not sure what corals I am going to keep just yet. I put in a Pulsing Xenia and a Zoanthus.
The 4 basics you are listing, are only the four basics while you are cycling.
Most will not bother testing Ammonia and Nitrites post cycle unless there is a reason to do so.
IMO - you should test for the ones I listed previously.
 

bswe22

Member
Originally Posted by TruPerc
http:///forum/post/3182511
The 4 basics you are listing, are only the four basics while you are cycling.
Most will not bother testing Ammonia and Nitrites post cycle unless there is a reason to do so.
IMO - you should test for the ones I listed previously.
I will be making a trip to the LFS for a couple more test kits. Thanks
There is a never ending learning curve with this hobby, you've got to love it!!!!!
 
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