What exactly should be tested?

[austin9392]

I have a question here that I'm sure a lot of beginners are wondering. What exactly needs to be tested on a regular basis? As of now I do ph, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, calcium, phosphate, and salinity.
Is there anything I am missing???
My tank is just really getting going. Been running for 5 months now, and I've had fish in it for 2 months. I'm up to five fish now, each about 3-6 inches.

 

[lexluethar]

Everything you mensioned should be tested at certain times. When cycling ammonia, nitrite and nitrates should be tested daily, as well as salinity. After your cycle you should test nitrate, Ph, salinity, and calcium once a week or so. I do mine with my water changes.
The only deviation from this schedule is when something dies, or something doesn't seem right, then i test EVERYTHING to find out what the culprit is.