Test kits!?! What do I need?

Superhanz · Apr 24, 2020

Hi!

So this is a weird question as I have had my tank set up for over a year now and I wasn’t the one doing the weekly maintenance, things have changed and I am now determined to do it on my own!

I need help with a few questions before I buy some testers!

I have seen Hanna testers and I was wondering If I should go with the low range testers, and what the difference is between the 3 alkalinity testers? If it was your tank what would you buy?

Also what other testers will I need apart from salinity testers?

For reference I have a 250 l tank , with 5 fish and lots of live rock structures!

TIA!

Miller535 · Apr 24, 2020

The 3 hanna alk test are the easiest to answer, one is the original that gives results in ppm which required you to convert it to DKH. Then they came out with that HI772 that gives you the results in DKH. This one is the one most people use now, and I would strongly recommend.

The third is for fresh water

Miller535 · Apr 24, 2020

I also use the phosphate ULR, and I can recommend that as well. I would also get a nitrate test kit, I personally like red sea. And it would be good to get cal and mag test kits too. I like salifert for those.

Hydrored · Apr 24, 2020

Miller535 said:
The 3 hanna alk test are the easiest to answer, one is the original that gives results in ppm which required you to convert it to DKH. Then they came out with that HI772 that gives you the results in DKH. This one is the one most people use now, and I would strongly recommend.

I would also get the ULR phosphate tester, ammonia isn't needed, copper only if you are quarantining fish using copper. I use Red Sea for nitrate testing.