What to test?

TideNumOne · Nov 17, 2018

I am just getting started with my first reef tank and want to make sure I test for the correct things when it gets going.

Based on what I am reading, here are all the different things they talk about:

Ammonia
Calcium
Copper
Hardness
Iron
Copper
Nitrate
Nitrite
ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential)
Oxygen
pH
Phosphate
Salinity
Temp

Do I need to monitor all of these?

What are the most important ones?

The big Apex system monitors Temp, Salinity, ORP, & pH. Are these the most important?

Is it worth buying an auto tester for some of these? I was thinking the Hanna Ammonia Colorimeter since we have to watch this while rocks are also curing.

Thank you!

David & Katie · Nov 17, 2018

Very interested in this subject. I have been in the hobby for 14 weeks and looking for a more consistent method of testing/ monitoring the right things. Following.

Mical · Nov 17, 2018

When first cycling a tank you want to monitor - Salinity, Temp,Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate & Phosphate. Once cycled (4 - 6 weeks) Then you want to monitor Salinity,Temp, PH, Nitrate, Alk, Calcium and Magnesium on a regular basis. This is basically the short answer. Re: Apex - it's not a necessity but is nice to see stats at a glance and be able to turn stuff on and off remotely.

TideNumOne · Nov 18, 2018

Update – I did some more research and came across to very good articles.

The first one shows the numbers and information around several “masters” and why.
The second list what they believe to be the 9 parameters you need to monitor and why the items mater/what they do.

Here are the ones that it says: