Newb Testing Question

[LenG]

Ok....tank has cycled. First inhabitants (Nassarius snails) are in. Fish to follow and eventually some softies. Other than salinity, what should I be testing for regularly? and at what frequency? Tank is 100 gal and I am starting 10% weekly water changes.

 

[Ding2daDong]

For now just pH, salinity, nitrates, and make sure no ammonia before adding the fish. Then just do things slowly. Before the first coral I would check cal, alk, p04 to make sure they're within range. For all of these I would check weekly unless something is off and you're trying to change it then I would test more frequently the more you are dosing or changing things. Like if you get two fish and start feeding more I would make sure to check more parameters that would affect the next change you're planning.

 

[Mr Fishface]

In a new tank, i used to test ammonia, nitrite and nitrate weekly until i was sure things were solid. Couple months probably. Or anytime the tank looked off. Ph is good to check too weekly, just to keep an eye on it and its by far the easiest test to do lol.

 

[Keithb22]

For PO4 I’d look at getting the Hanna ultra low checker. Calcium doesn’t hurt to get either, the titration test tend to be tedious.

 

[LenG]

Thanks all.