Testing Equipment

jmann124 · Mar 18, 2016

Since I'm gathering everything I need to set up the new tank, I would like to know what everyone uses and/or recommends for testing their parameters. When I had my old tank a few years ago I used API for almost everything, I used Red Sea for Mag, I think, and I used a hydrometer for salinity. Also if anyone has any testing equipment they'd like to sell, I'd be interested. TIA

BlueDevil · Mar 19, 2016

Here are the brands I have the best luck with:

Red Sea for Alk, Ca, Mg
Salifert for NO3
Hanna Checker for PO4
Refractometer for SG

Cheers!
Yash

Rob.D · Mar 19, 2016

Same here as Yash, just to be specific, Red Sea refractometer.

CastAway · Mar 20, 2016

I use Red Sea for dKH; Mg; Ca; NO3; PO4, and I dbl check P with an Hanna ULR. I use API for pH. I use a no name refractometer, and calibrate each time I test. (Used two refractometer me until I dropped one and broke it.

jmann124 · Mar 21, 2016

Are you guys using the high range or low range Hanna Checker?

BlueDevil · Mar 21, 2016

jmann124 said:
Are you guys using the high range or low range Hanna Checker?

Like Jeff, I use the Ultra Low Range Phosphorus Checker

jmann124 · Mar 21, 2016

Is no one checking ammonia?

BlueDevil · Mar 21, 2016

Once your tank cycle is complete and has been established for some time there is enough bacteria in sand and live rocks to break down the ammonia. My tank has been running for ~10 years now. I only check ammonia if I run into any serious issues like sudden loss of fish or corals. Otherwise there's no reason to check ammonia or nitrites for that matter on a weekly basis.

BlueDevil · Mar 21, 2016

Since you're setting up a new tank I would add nitrite and ammonia tests as well during the tank cycling process and probably once a week for a month and when adding any new inhabitants. Once your tank tests out at 0 ammonia and nitrite on a consistent basis you needn't test as often.
I used to use the API Master test kit for those tests.

jmann124 · Mar 21, 2016

Yeah, I had a tank a few years ago and after a year I felt comfortable not testing it. I actually just stuck an ammonia badge in the sump to get a quick glance. I didn't think about you guys not testing because of tank longevity.

cmcoker · Mar 21, 2016

jmann124 said:
Is no one checking ammonia?

I like seachem ammonia badge for watching the ammonia, I have been using them on my quarantine tanks, as well as when I've done a tank move. I also have a seachem ammonia test kit, and api test

BlueDevil · Mar 21, 2016

Personally I'm not sure how accurate badges are. I know I personally wouldn't rely on them. Things like ammonia and temp stick-on badges and hydrometer a for salinity aren't tools I would put too much trust into myself.

cmcoker · Mar 21, 2016

BlueDevil said:
Personally I'm not sure how accurate badges are. I know I personally wouldn't rely on them. Things like ammonia and temp stick-on badges and hydrometer a for salinity aren't tools I would put too much trust into myself.

I've used and tested for comparison enough that I am comfortable with them. As I mentioned I also have kits but the badge will help with a real time reading, and will also work with prime or meds in the tank that render a reagent kit invalid

BlueDevil · Mar 21, 2016

cmcoker said:
I've used and tested for comparison enough that I am comfortable with them. As I mentioned I also have kits but the badge will help with a real time reading, and will also work with prime or meds in the tank that render a reagent kit invalid

If it works for you nothing like it. That was just my take that I don't feel comfortable relying on them. So to me, since I don't have confidence in them they're pointless to add to the tank. However as is the case over and over in this hobby what works for one person might not work for another.