Poll: Testing Frequency

[dbl]

Ah, the old parameter testing. That thing we all love to do so much! Would be interesting to see how often people actually test their water. This poll is simply to look at frequency, not the actual parameters tested or which kits you're using. So even if you only test one parameter, but you do it daily, you're answer would be every day!

 

[keddre]

I test when I see problems, but I usually catch problems early; however if I miss the early signs, it usually turns into a big problem like it did with my nem

 

[andrewkw]

Alkalinity twice per week - I might skip the midweek but always test after weekly water change.
Calcium / Mag once a week - from time to time I will skip this. The salt I use (coralife) is high in CA so realistically it can only go up.
I used to / should test phosphates every 1-2 weeks it's just I am out of reagent.
Nitrate occasionally but if there is a bioload change I might step it up. For now I just use those cheapo api strips since that's all I could get locally. I'm not so much interested in the exact number but to make sure there is a small amount of nitrate that isn't spiking or being completely stripped (cabron dose).

 

[Jayp5117]

I know my tank and can tell just by a glance if something isn't right so I only check once in a while. But if you are dosing you need to check those parameters more often. I definitely think most people know their tanks enough to get a good idea.

 

[Tyler_Fishman]

Never test, but that's because I don't have a kit, my cycles done when the smell goes away lol

 

[Amoo]

Bi-Weekly:

Twice a week for the Alk, I muster up the strength to do Alk and Ca once a week.

I only do all 3 along with No3 and PO4 once a month unless I'm having problems or getting ready to add something new.

 

[Gweeds1980]

Errrr. Sometimes... when I remember or just after I've added an expensive coral lol. In all honesty, I keep a log of every test I've ever done in a notebook, but in all honesty some have a few days between and some have months.

 

[zachxlutz]

Alkalinity daily.
Phosphate daily (battling dinoflagellates).
Nitrate and Calcium weekly.
Mag monthly, other traces when I feel like it.

 

[iemsparticus]

Alk daily, Phosphate, Nitrate, and Calc weekly, Mag monthly.

I'm thinking of adding a test for Potassium in there at some point as well.

 

[Tautog]

I changed my lights from LEDs to T-5's. I'm glad I tested Alkalinity everyday, because the increase doubled in just 2 weeks. Ca didn't increase as rapidly, but after 3 weeks it has, but I also have 60+ corals growing, recovering, and all are happy

 

[pelphrey]

I test Alk 2-3 times per week. Calcium, MG, Nitrates and Phosphates once a week.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Loving these polls!

When I am trying to dial in dosing additives I test almost every day. Right now I am on about a twice a week schedule.

 

[Scorpius]

I test alkalinity almost daily.

 

[saltyhog]

I test alkalinity 4-5 days/week. Add in the days I may test Ca, Mg, PO4 or NO3 (about once a week for each) I probably test something every day with a few exceptions.

 

[JEREMY82]

I rarely test my self.I just usually read my corals if they look unhappy then I may just test my Cal and alk and mg.

 

[UpNorthTom]

I test Alk twice a week. Nitrate, Phosphate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium once a week. I test nitrate and phosphate before my water change and calcium, magnesium and potassium the day after my water change. I'm not really sure why i do it this way, the timing just seem to work better for me.

 

[Paul B]

My test kits came in a wooden box and after I removed the cork from the bottles I noticed the chemicals turned into tar. The instructions say to keep in a cool root cellar away from varmints.
I don't really test. OK, I never test but I do touch the glass every morning to check the temperature. I am not sure if that counts.

 

[Reefs anonymous]

Alk 1/week and it's usually spot on. Mg and ca 1 every other week and it's usually spot on. I water change 10% every week using aquaforest salt. Best salt I've ever used! Mixes very quickly and consistently. Parameters always on, so dosing is very predictable.

 

[OREGONIC]

Alk 2 - 3 times a week.
Cal 1 time a week.
Mag is always high in my tank so 1 time every month or so.
Nitrates and phosphates test every week or 2, unless I noticed my glass getting dirty to quickly.

 

[OREGONIC]

Alk 1/week and it's usually spot on. Mg and ca 1 every other week and it's usually spot on. I water change 10% every week using aquaforest salt. Best salt I've ever used! Mixes very quickly and consistently. Parameters always on, so dosing is very predictable.

Im running Aquaforest as well, do you notice high magnesium? All parameters are very close to what is stated on the card included except my magnesium always seem to be 1450-1525. Need to pick up a second test kit to confirm.