Chemistry testing

[Lbabylee]

I have a 55 g FOWLR tank. I test PH, Nitrates, Nitrites, and Ammonia. Is it necessary for me to be testing Alkalinity and phosphates?
thanks in advance.
Saltwater Newbie. Tank is 4 months.

 

[rastareefs]

You don't need to test for those, you would only really care about keeping those parameters consistent if you're keeping coral. Also, if you're 4 months in and fish aren't dying I don't know if I would even test ammonia and nitrites.

 

[redfishbluefish]

The three "N" test kits are only needed to track your initial cycle. Once you have a cycled tank, it will be rare to test for ammonia and nitrite.

Nitrate and phosphate test is then occasionally used to monitor how "dirty" your tank is.

Alkalinity, calcium and magnesium test kits are needed once you start with hard corals. If you have a FO (Fish Only) or FOWLR (Fish Only with Live Rock), testing for these three aren't needed.

Hope this helps.

 

[Lbabylee]

You don't need to test for those, you would only really care about keeping those parameters consistent if you're keeping coral. Also, if you're 4 months in and fish aren't dying I don't know if I would even test ammonia and nitrites.

Good to know I check all my parms just for my peace of mind.
thank you for your response.