Beginning my first
- Thread starter topdawg
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LegendaryCG
Valuable Member
They are all important, ammonia is a fish killer So that one is particulaly important. Nitrate and Nitrite indicate how well your bacteria is able to breakdown ammonia so also important. For a beginner I like the tetra 6 in 1 test strips, it’s certainly not a very precise test but it gives a lot of info in a single simple test.
Pau Hana Reefer
got reef?
Welcome to R2R and the hobby! What kind of tank are you planning to have? Fish only, FOWLER or reef?
Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and salinity are needed for all saltwater tanks. If you're keeping a reef tank, add in alkalinity, calcium, and phosphorous.
Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH and salinity are needed for all saltwater tanks. If you're keeping a reef tank, add in alkalinity, calcium, and phosphorous.
Idoc
Getting lazier and lazier with upkeep!
In the beginning, you don't have to go crazy with your test kits.
Ammonia (Red Sea)
Nitrate (Salifert)
Phosphate (Hanna ULR)
Parentheses are the test kits I use. Later once you're cycled and ready for corals, then look at Calcium, Alkalinity, & Magnesium. I use Red Sea Pro kits for those 3.
I wouldn't worry about Nitrite test kits... not important with marine tanks.
Ammonia (Red Sea)
Nitrate (Salifert)
Phosphate (Hanna ULR)
Parentheses are the test kits I use. Later once you're cycled and ready for corals, then look at Calcium, Alkalinity, & Magnesium. I use Red Sea Pro kits for those 3.
I wouldn't worry about Nitrite test kits... not important with marine tanks.
Quietman
2500 Club Member
I'd save your money on ammonia and go with API or test strips. The API will read 0 as slightly positive but it's good enough. Nitrites don't matter in saltwater for health so just look for nitrates...that one is worth spending money on good test. All higher end are good it's personal preference really.
Phosphates I use salifert. The Hanna is nice but pricey at first. I wouldn't upgrade until you have phosphates dialed in really well...which could take months as you add livestock. May find you don't need high end test.
No need for alk, ca, mg until you add corals. Unless you want to practice.
Phosphates I use salifert. The Hanna is nice but pricey at first. I wouldn't upgrade until you have phosphates dialed in really well...which could take months as you add livestock. May find you don't need high end test.
No need for alk, ca, mg until you add corals. Unless you want to practice.
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