What do I need to be testing for a mixed reef tank?

Mike O · Jun 21, 2019

Just like the title says, what elements should I be testing for a mixed reef tank?

Crabs McJones · Jun 21, 2019

Do you do weekly water changes? If so it's generally enough to replace minor and trace elements, the big ones you should look out for are Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium, Nitrate and Phosphate.

ReeferBud · Jun 21, 2019

For me:

Several times a week: Alk

Once a week: PO4, NO3, salinity

Once a month: Ca, Mg

Once a quarter: K, Fe, I

ReeferBud · Jun 21, 2019

For me:

Several times a week: Alk

Once a week: PO4, NO3, salinity

Once a month: Ca, Mg

Once a quarter: K, Fe, I

Mike O · Jun 21, 2019

Crabs McJones said:
Do you do weekly water changes? If so it's generally enough to replace minor and trace elements, the big ones you should look out for are Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium, Nitrate and Phosphate.

Just starting my tank, just waiting for my RO/DI to arrive. I’m looking at buying a testing kit and wanted to know which tests I actually need

Xam · Jun 21, 2019

If you are just starting your tank cycle, you will initially need ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. After your cycle complets and you are about ready to add fish, you will need alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Down the road you'll want others but that's the basics.

Here's a good article about the cycle. https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cycling-a-brand-new-reef-aquarium.542/

TMB · Jun 21, 2019

^^^ what they said!

They were faster than me with the reply!
You also need something to measure salinity, I prefer this one (it's the only one you'll ever need!)

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/milw...MIn5P-_9X74gIVk7fsCh1rNgkOEAYYAiABEgIY9vD_BwE

Xam · Jun 21, 2019

TMB said:
^^^ what they said! They were faster than me with the reply!
You also need something to measure salinity, I prefer this one (it's the only one you'll ever need!)

Wow good call... I test salinity way more than anything else... not sure why I fumbled that.