Migrating from FreshWater to SaltWater tanks

[saulofaria]

Hello Everyone!
I am starting my game on SaltWater.
I do have a good experience of years with heavily planted tank and that have inspired me to move to SaltWater tank where I can mainly work with Corals, cleaner crew and probably a pair of clown fish.
Consequently to my desire, I was lucky enough to find someone selling a Fluval Evo 13.5 already cycled (2 yes) with Fluval Skimmer, heater and Rocks. As extra the seller has provided me with plenty of Chaeto in the refugium chamber and Pulsing Xenia who has shown good signs so far this past 2 days that the tank has been set up. He has delivered to me the tank with the water that the tank was running on, I only had to prepare a little more water to add to the tank to the correct level. (RO/DI, yes).

What is next on my plans!

Before I start to add anything I would like to get a better understanding of the chemistry, Coral feeding and water tests for SaltWater.
I see that API has a Master Test Kit for Saltwater just like they have for FreshWater. Is that worth the money? 47$ CAD (Amazon).
Will that provide me all the reading that I need to verify the water parameters for Corals and other inhabitants?

Let me know what would you suggest.

Thanks

 

[Reklaw]

There are 2 api kits for saltwater, saltwater master and reef master. You will need both. I think they are worth the money, there are a lot more kits that are easier to use and read but more expensive.

 

[LiveWire]

I would go with a better quality test kit if it were me as you get what you pay for. I like the Red sea test kits myself. You can get the Marine care test kit as well as the reef foundation pro kit and that's basically all you need. I have a couple of the Fluval Evo 13.5 systems.

They are nice and compact and as long as you change the water regularly there really is no need for the skimmer although I would invest in an ATO for the system if I were you as the system is only 13.5 gallons with no substrate or rocks and an ATO will help you keep things stable.

Also with a system that small if you change water weekly you will find that wont need to add anything (Cal Alk, Mag) in order to keep things stable.