What all should I be testing for

[bluehusky424]

Ive decided to revisit setting up my first reef tank (20 long) after a bit of thinking.

Since I am on a budget, I have been trying to figure out what are the essentials I need to test for. From the reading I've done I believe I figured out what I need to do, but insight on if I'm wrong would be greatly appreciated. From what I've seen my focus needs to be on:
Alkalinity
Phosphate
Magnesium
Calcium
Nitrate
Ammonia
PH
and of course salinity (I have a refractometer, I just need to calibrate it)

I plan on mostly easier softies and lps
I greatly appreciate any help, thanks in advance

 

[Spare time]

For alk, salifert or red sea pro

For calcium, really whatever as this can be a ballpark number.

Magnesium isn't too important to test unless you have a packed tank or don't do water changes.

Phosphate is really hard to read on non digital tests. Salifert would be my budget option and Hannah lr phosphate or lr phosphorus are my recs.

I wouldn't bother with testing pH unless you get a very capable electronic test.


Ammonia is a twice or thrice and done test so I wouldn't spend much on that.

 

[bluehusky424]

For alk, salifert or red sea pro

For calcium, really whatever as this can be a ballpark number.

Magnesium isn't too important to test unless you have a packed tank or don't do water changes.

Phosphate is really hard to read on non digital tests. Salifert would be my budget option and Hannah lr phosphate or lr phosphorus are my recs.

I wouldn't bother with testing pH unless you get a very capable electronic test.


Ammonia is a twice or thrice and done test so I wouldn't spend much on that.

I was probably gonna get salifert for most of my tests starting out until I can get a deal on hannah testers.

Is ammonia really only important when cycling?

 

[Goaway]

Might i recommend

https://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/

For making your own calibration fluid. Don't use ro/di. It can really throw the refractometer off.

And honestly. Api is fine calc, nitrate, alk. I question api's 5ml vials.

Other tests might be more accurate. But, after using the redsea testing tubes and a 5ml syringe. Api pretty much matched nitrate and readings from salisfert.

Things like alk, calc, you might want more precision in. Magnesium frommy understandi g does nkt test well.

 

[Goaway]

Is ammonia really only important when cycling?

yes. But, if something big dies. I guess you might want to test for ammonia. I havent tested for ammonia in years.

 

[Spare time]

I was probably gonna get salifert for most of my tests starting out until I can get a deal on hannah testers.

Is ammonia really only important when cycling?

Ammonia only pops up when cycling or if the tank has an absolute ton of things die at once

 

[bluehusky424]

Might i recommend

https://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/

For making your own calibration fluid. Don't use ro/di. It can really throw the refractometer off.

And honestly. Api is fine calc, nitrate, alk. I question api's 5ml vials.

Other tests might be more accurate. But, after using the redsea testing tubes and a 5ml syringe. Api pretty much matched nitrate and readings from salisfert.

Things like alk, calc, you might want more precision in. Magnesium frommy understandi g does nkt test well.

I heard that distilled water is good for making calibration fluid.

 

[Goaway]

I heard that distilled water is good for making calibration fluid.

Yes, if you measure the salt and water correctly.

 

[Fish Fan]

I've had good luck purchasing equipment on the R2R marketplace here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/selling-forum-dry-goods.60/

The Hanna Checkers, for example, come up frequently for about $40 each. Sometimes I see bundles of like three Checkers for about $100 or so.

 

[bluehusky424]

I've had good luck purchasing equipment on the R2R marketplace here:

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/selling-forum-dry-goods.60/

The Hanna Checkers, for example, come up frequently for about $40 each. Sometimes I see bundles of like three Checkers for about $100 or so.

I will have to check it out! thanks!