Testing water parameters for the newbie

[Bubbagump69]

I see so many posts of people knowing their calcium, magnesium, phosphates, etc.. HELP! SOS! I'm not a chemist and I don't play one on TV, therefore, I have no clue how to test or what is considered good or bad readings if I did test. My green star poly is doing wonderful, but I cannot for the life of me keep any other types of corals (including zoas). Am I thinking too deep into this? Is it just me? I have a 65 gallon with a sump, skimmer, and wave pump. I even woke up the other morning to a long stringy thing floating out of one of my remaining zoas. I think I should just stick to fish.

 

[New&no clue]

Lol, none of us are Chemist... well maybe some people are but certainly not most. You just need to buy some test kits. I would recommend Calcium, Magnesium, and Alkalinity. Salifert has good test and a good price

Salifert

Bulk Reef Supply - Saltwater Aquarium Supplies for Reef Tanks

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Your LFS (Local Fish Store) should have them as well.

Depending on the type of corals you want to keep will determine where your numbers should be. If you only have softies then you are probable fine with weekly 10% water changes. If you get into SPS it will be more important to test regularly and add in what the corals are removing from the water.

 

[Bubbagump69]

As for now, not looking to get sps. Just want softies

 

[Bubbagump69]

Looking for advise to best remedy tank issues.
pH 8-8.2
Ammonia .25
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 40 (yes, I know it's bad as I've already lost three fish $$$$)
Alk 7
Calcium 430
Phos. .03

This is from Salifert tests. It's the most out of whack my tank has ever been. How do I dose? What do I use? I have a 65 gallon

Left in tank:
4 sergeant majors
2 pajama cardinals
1 fox face , small

Coral:
Green star polyp
Devil's hand leather
Red xenia still on a plug
Pulsing xenia still on a plug
2 ricordea mushroom on plugs
Purple pavona on a plug