So much info

[Bran8409]

New to the hobby. I have read tons of info on tanks for beginners and whatnot. Well, I decided to start with the Evo 13.5. But my questions are about test kits, when to test, and parameters. I have noticed everyone has a different answer and it can be overwhelming and exhausting. Any tips and tricks to help? Thanks.

 

[Dbichler]

To start with cycling your tank you need ammonia nitrite and nitrate as well as salinity. When cycle is done you can trash ammonia and nitrite they are no longer needed. When you get into corals you will need ph phosphate alk calcium and mag.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I started by finding local Reefers and asking them. You can eventually find someone who has the results you are looking for, and emulate their success. It's hard to do that online, because many people prefer to be anonymous and don't share their entire situation. Not impossible to find someone here to help though, and you can always private message them too.

 

[ScurvyFrog]

One of those API kits with ammonia, nitrates, nitrites will be your best bet to start + fractometer. Inexpensive and accurate enough.

Once you decide where the tank is heading (FOWLR, LPS, SPS, mixed reef) you’ll likely want to consider things like Hanna Checkers. They’re a little more pricey but worth it if you take the plunge into corals.

Lots of options and opinions on this, but the above is just my two cents.

 

[kevgib67]

There are tons of reefers on R2R with your exact setup. Find one that you would like to emulate and hit that reefer up to mentor you. You will find a lot who would love to walk this journey with you.

 

[Bran8409]

Thanks all for the great advice.

 

[vetteguy53081]

New to the hobby. I have read tons of info on tanks for beginners and whatnot. Well, I decided to start with the Evo 13.5. But my questions are about test kits, when to test, and parameters. I have noticed everyone has a different answer and it can be overwhelming and exhausting. Any tips and tricks to help? Thanks.

Up front with new bioloads- Test weekly until your levels are stable/steady in a safe range requiring less water changes and good readings and use reliable test kits. Does not have to be the most expensive but Hanna and salifert are good and user friendly tests.

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Welcome aboard~

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

New to the hobby. I have read tons of info on tanks for beginners and whatnot. Well, I decided to start with the Evo 13.5. But my questions are about test kits, when to test, and parameters. I have noticed everyone has a different answer and it can be overwhelming and exhausting. Any tips and tricks to help? Thanks.

My tip is to get most of your advice at Reef2Reef, not at the LFS or other online stores that stand to profit from suggestions to you.

I'd also be wary of facebook and other places where there is no allowed back and forth discussion of "methods" being proposed.