Testing...

[justjes45]

I'm learning, like some of you, the hard way.
Set up a local fish store – I say "local" with a laugh because it is an hour away from me..
Anyhow, I think I got a brush of as "just girl who wants a sparkly fishtank".
I had no idea about protein skimmers, RO, or testing....
Now, bit by bit, and thanks to you all, I am continuing in this addiction smarter.
I have a basic API test kit- it tests for Ph, nitrite, ammonia and nitrates.
I purchased separately a calcium test kit.
Now I am learning there are other tests I should be running. What would you recommend?
I have a 30 gallon Nano with one fish, one shrimp, two nudebranchs and a sea slug in. ( plus the clean up crew...) a few assorted corals- soon to add more...
Any advise or tips is welcome! ( and probably needed..[emoji13])

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The critical measurements (once ammonia is gone in the initial cycling) are alkalinity and calcium.

Nitrate can be useful, as can phosphate, but measuring them is not always critical (I do not).

IMO, for anything else you can wait for a pretty long period to worry about in a tank like yours.

These have more:

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 1: The Salt Water Itself by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 3: pH by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

 

[justjes45]

Sweet! Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing!