Test kits?

[Eienna]

If cost is a big concern, the cheapest way to get started is to only measure alkalinity. Then when alkalinity is low, replace it with a balanced calcium and alkalinity method. You really won't get too far off by doing that. Calcium will stay about where it is in your starting salt mix, so if it starts OK, it will stay OK. Same for magnesium if you are using a good quality two or three part additive system that includes an appropriate amount (as my DIY does). I've not used it for a long time, and I've not cost compared it to anything recently, but the Salifert kit is a good choice for alkalinity.

Nitrate and phosphate are useful, but not critical in all situations, especially if you have no algae issues. If I were to test for very low phosphate, I'd probably get the Hanna phosphorus checker, but the Hach PO-19 phosphate kit is also very good for values above 0.03 ppm (not cheap either).

I'd never buy any pH kit. I'd always get a meter. Even a cheap one can be checked, if not calibrated, unlike a kit.

Last I was measuring alkalinity, I did DIY titrations with a standard acid (purchased) and a pH meter.

Makes perfect sense Thanks! I I'm not dosing yet, could said alk be replenished via water changes?

 

[Eienna]

https://images.search.yahoo.com/sea...11&va=reef+aquarium+test+kit+comparison+chart

Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Multi Test Kit Aquarium Saltwater Test Kits

36 bucks for a red sea kit don't think u can beat that.

Thanks, guys n_n

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Makes perfect sense Thanks! I I'm not dosing yet, could said alk be replenished via water changes?

In very low demand situations, yes, but once you have any significant coralline algae or hard coral growth, it won't keep up. It is the first thing to show dosing needs.

 

[that Reef Guy]

In very low demand situations, yes, but once you have any significant coralline algae or hard coral growth, it won't keep up. It is the first thing to show dosing needs.

+1

I have to check my SPS tank Twice a Day and Dose for Alkalinity.

My Three Non-SPS Tanks get Checked Once or Twice a Week Only for Alkalinity.

 

[Eienna]

OK. I'll be accumulating slowly, so no worries there, at least at first. n_n I plan to do mostly softies and LPS.

 

[memontgo]

Once you find a test kit you like, what is the recommended way of cleaning the test vials? I'm currently using RO/DI, but I remember reading somewhere about dipping them in an acid. Just can't remember where I read it or what acid it was. Any ideas??

 

[cope413]

If you have precipitate ok the vials (typically only on Cal and alk tests), you cab use vinegar (acetic acid), then rinse thoroughly with rodi and air dry.

 

[cope413]

On*

 

[memontgo]

If you have precipitate ok the vials (typically only on Cal and alk tests), you cab use vinegar (acetic acid), then rinse thoroughly with rodi and air dry.

Thanks, that must be it!