reef keeping must haves!!!

[Anonymous]

can any of you fine people tell me exactly what test kits are essential to my reef system? i already have the basics: nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, kh, ph and salinity. my system is still very young and i want to be sure i have all the necessary tests, additives, vitamins, etc. to ensure the health of my beasties.

what else should i absolutely have? thanks!absolutely

 

[Anonymous]

Calcium should be another staple in your testing regiment. IMO I like the Salifert test, but is more expensive than some others out there.

 

[Mouse]

A tank, he he...

sorry, ....But in all sereousness the following test kits are really important.

Ph & Kh
Nitrate
Nitrite
Ammonia
Calcium, (unless you have a reactor linked to a PH probe)

and a Hydrometer goes without saying.

the following are good but not neccesary because if you had a problem with any one ofthem it would be evident in the growth of algie etc.

Silicate
Phosphate
Disolved organics

and these test kit could help if your a real parameter junkie, but personally i couldn't get them to work.

Iodene
Strontium
Magneseium

As far as additives are concerned, that depends on what your keeping, what equipment you have I.e. reactors etc and what salt mix you use.

But id say for a fairly reasonably stocked reef, without a reacor, id use B-Ionic and DT's phytoplankton.

[ February 06, 2002: Message edited by: Mouse ]

[ February 06, 2002: Message edited by: Mouse ]</p>

 

[kanapino]

I agree with Mouse on all but one point; that is, the need to measure Mg. I feel it goes without saying when measuring Ca based upon their relationship in the system. Also Sr I would also increase in priority to keep under control. But this is all related to what animals you are keeping.

S.

 

[Mac1]

Ditto what PoJohnny said.... my pH meter was the best $99 bucks I ever spent on my tank. I've been able to (over time) notice my pH refelects the status of my tank. Has made Alk and Ca tests inconsequential (can judge what it's at based on the meter).

- Mac

 

[Carpentersreef]

What's a test kit?

Mitch

 

[Anonymous]

that's great! i didn't realize the pH monitors were so affordable. anyone know where i can get a refractometer that doesn't cost a billion dollars?

 

[pscheel]

www.northcoastmarines.com has refractometers for $65.00 plus shipping.

[ February 06, 2002: Message edited by: pscheel ]

[ February 06, 2002: Message edited by: pscheel ]</p>

 

[Anonymous]

thanks, pete!

 

[Anonymous]

thanks guys, i really appreciate the info.

 

[toptank]

A few good book would be fine

 

[Anonymous]

hey man, if you can swing it at this point in your setup, I'd really reccomend a PINPOINT pH monitor.


po

 

[gkrane]

Where do you see the refractometers at north coast for 65.00? I can only find them for 80.00.

 

[Anonymous]

yeah, i noticed the same thing. where *did* you see them for $65.00?

 

[Anonymous]

On their websight, click on the Monthly Special button - it goes to the Special's page and you must click on the refractomer to get the "special" price.

Susan

 

[Hal1]

Anybody know if the northcoast marines is the same one that Premium Aquatics sells for $120?

PA took the time to include a sentence on their site saying that other lesser quality refractometers look just like their $120, so they don't want us to be fooled.

Seems to me that if they look identical, they probably are.