What parameters should I be checking?

[Bob Escher]

Hi everyone:
I believe I'm at the point of my build. I'm starting with my QT first before I start with my 65 gal.
So I've been cycling the tank ( ten gal) with live rock ( about 4 lbs total) with some dry rock and bio- spiral from instant oceans. I had some food and a shrimp from the grocery store in the tank and it's been running roughly a month now. The shrimp dissolved, I am using Red Sea test kits.
My ammonia is 0.2, nitrates and nitrites are 0 ( they all were much higher) so I believe everything is good.
But to add a clown or two or bangai butterfly what else should I be tested beside the three?
Salinity of course : 1.23
Ammonia: 0.2
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
Ph: 8.2
Anything else for a fish only tank right now?
Oh also KH as well but I'm confused my test went to yellow which means overdose and that it says which I don't understand is:
If the last drop gave a overdose color instead of the end color reduce the calculated level by 0.5 KH or 0.18 meq/l. What does that mean, I should lower the amount of water I put in the test bottle or the amount of reagent?
Thanks

 

[Diesel]

Temperature??
Salt is a little off but if you use it as QT your fine, you going to have some evaporation and that will bring your salt up a bit.
As the rest your good to go.
Keep testing your ammonia as you don't want it any higher.

 

[Bob Escher]

Thanks, I thought a 1.23 was good, what should it be so when I make more I can apply ig

 

[Diesel]

Thanks, I thought a 1.23 was good, what should it be so when I make more I can apply ig

1.o25/1.026 is your NSW.

 

[Bob Escher]

Thanks

 

[Oceansize]

Regarding your question about the kH test: they're simply saying that whatever reading your test gives you, subtract 0.5 kH from the result to get the "real" number. So if it took 9 drops of the reagent to turn the color to the 'overdose' color, then merely subtract 0.5 from the result, meaning 8.5 drops or 8.5 kH. At least that's how the API test works. Curious whose test you are using?

 

[Bob Escher]

I'm using the Red Sea marine care test kit, I al have a KH test in the reef foundation pro test kit but haven't done anything with that as yet ( don't need to, only have live rock in the tank)
Thank you

 

[LILBUDDHA]

I would use the Red Sea Foundation Test Kit as it is way more precise imho .
Diesel has a most excellent tank . His advice will be sound and totally on point .
N thanks for the compliments .
Can't wait to see what kind of tank u get .

 

[Bob Escher]

That's the one I am using

 

[Bob Escher]

Oh I do have a build going but here's my QT the probes are for my apex controller I don't want them drying out or else I have to buy new ones and I have more rock in it now after this pic was taken