Test kits

[frankieboy]

Hi what other test kits do I need for a reef. I know about API for ammonia nitrites nitrates ph, for calcium and other parameter what else do I test. reading book the reef aquarium volume 3, little lost with calcium exctra.

 

[PeteTheGreek89]

First off API are no bueno!
For the basics yes there fine but reef master kit is not worth it, for calk, alk, and mag go with either salifert or Red Sea test kits!

 

[empire]

Salifert readings are closer to Hanna checkers than Red Sea readings. Salifert all day!

 

[Reef_Paddy]

Personal Preference: Salifert

 

[frankieboy]

Thanks guys salifert it will be. Also when I setup tank going to start fowlr for a couple of months, can I still use salifert to test ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, ph cause I want to setup tank with very good equipment. Can I buy lighting one time, even doe I'm starting fowlr for a couple months, what do you guys suggest .

 

[Reef_Paddy]

Yes, you can use the same test kits.

As for lighting, get your "reef" lighting from the beginning. The FOWLR are not as demanding on light but will save you in the long run buying a basic setup now and then upgrading when you start adding coral.

 

[frankieboy]

Thanks reef paddy I'll buy lighting one time, How many for a 150 gallon 6 feet long tank.

 

[Reef_Paddy]

That would all depend on the type of lighting you have planned, i.e. MH, T5's or LED. Each will have a different spread, and even manufacturers of the same type will advise spread for their units. Best post something in the lighting section and get a group response. I'd just tell you to go for LED's (with Radion Pro's (pre-order only available at present), AI Vega or GHL Mitras being my 3 preferred) I'll be getting ordering my GHL Mitras in about a month (I have a GHL Profilux controller so it all works together nicely)

 

[fjpod]

I use API. While you may not get exact numbers for your parameters, you can tell which direction your tank is going. Test periodically and you will learn when you see a change. I don't think the cost of other kits is worth it.

I've listened to more people with expensive kits on these forums...chasing their tails. But, to each, his own.

 

[frankieboy]

Fjpod thanks for advice opinion, I like to gather advice opinions so I can decide what I want to get.

 

[ChrisB]

salifert for alk,calc and mag I like the hannah checker for phosphate. If you are starting out with fowlv, thn going to reef I would watch your phos.

 

[frankieboy]

Chrisb thank on advice, I will do that and yes fowlr firts then mixed reef, and dies a gfo control phosphate.

Sent from my PG86100 using Reefs

 

[ChrisB]

Yes gfo removes phos its a media that has to be changed like carbon.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

I did a comparison and redsea was dead on with salifert. Hanna for phosphate and red sea for mag cal and alk