What tests do i need to undertake

[David martin]

Hi
As your getting to know i am a real newbie, and whilst im waiting for the postman to deliver my books,
im starting to buy bits.

so Test kits- I have bought the Red sea marine Care test kit, which test, is this a good kit.
NH3/NH4 | NO3 | NO2 | pH | KH
what else do i need to test
thanks
Dave

 

[CodyRVA]

Should be good for a while with the exception of a hydrometer. Do you have your system setup yet? The only other test kits I personally use are PO4, CA, and MG, but I wouldn't overly concern yourself with those just yet. You'll want to get the PO4 kit in time, and the CA & MG kits if you plan on adding any corals. Kudos for getting the books, most are too impatient to research first. YouTube is also a good resource. You'll find a lot of very knowledgable folks around here, don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions; someone is always eager to help. Good luck and welcome!

 

[David martin]

Should be good for a while with the exception of a hydrometer. Do you have your system setup yet? The only other test kits I personally use are PO4, CA, and MG, but I wouldn't overly concern yourself with those just yet. You'll want to get the PO4 kit in time, and the CA & MG kits if you plan on adding any corals. Kudos for getting the books, most are too impatient to research first. YouTube is also a good resource. You'll find a lot of very knowledgable folks around here, don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions; someone is always eager to help. Good luck and welcome!

many thanks for this, I have my first of two tanks 4x4x42, but am not setting it up until I have the right information, which is very hard, as I know a chap thats selling a 5x2x2c omplete setup, but my fear is - that i lack even the basic knowledge, and I could do more harm than good,

 

[CodyRVA]

many thanks for this, I have my first of two tanks 4x4x42, but am not setting it up until I have the right information, which is very hard, as I know a chap thats selling a 5x2x2c omplete setup, but my fear is - that i lack even the basic knowledge, and I could do more harm than good,

Always a good idea to start slow and gradually expand on the hobby. Biting off more than you can chew will only cause frustration and risk of losing your critters.

 

[PatW]

Red Sea's test kits are good. I like Salifert better for Magnesium. API is fine for quick and dirty Alk and Ca.

A refractometer is a much better choice than a hydrometer. Bulk Reef Supply has a store brand one. I use it and it is simple and reliable. It only takes about .5 ml to run a test.

Your current tests will see you through cycling.

I would not add a clean up crew until you have plenty of algae for them. Even so, I found that reducing nutrients was a better way to control algae.

If you are doing fish only. You have about enough right now. For corals, you need to test for calcium, magnesium and alkalinity. Phosphate is a nutrient that acts as a fertilizer for algae. Generally, if you have algae problems, you have phosphates. The only test that is sensitive enough for phosphate is the Hanna checker. But going by the I have algae so I have phosphates seems to work too.

 

[David martin]

many thanks Pat- however whats a "clean up crew" please, and i hope to keep Corals.

 

[CodyRVA]

many thanks Pat- however whats a "clean up crew" please, and i hope to keep Corals.

Clean up crew meaning snails, crabs, starfish, inverts, etc. They are your crew for cleaning up algae and detritus (waste) in your tank. Here's an example, and here are packages.

Keep in mind you can buy these guys all over, this is just one example.