00W's AIO Smorgasbord

[tbrown]

Honestly, API is probably fine for pH, calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity but I don't trust the Phosphates specifically.

 

[00W]

I have used API Master tests kits for years for my freshwater aquariums and have never had a problem with them. It seems like the saltwater community seems to prefer other brands like Salifert for example. Can someone explain to me in simple terms why the others seem to be preferred?

As @tbrown says it perfectly!
The chemicals contained within are fine but the tests themselves are inaccurate.
PH, calcium still what I use and are fine.
I use hanna for the others.

 

[Calmwaters]

Honestly, API is probably fine for pH, calcium, magnesium, and alkalinity but I don't trust the Phosphates specifically.

I was just thinking about using it for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and ph.

 

[Calmwaters]

My understanding is it’s not very accurate, at least in saltwater. I’ve never used it but your right it seems to be loathed on this forum enough that I would avoid it. I use Salifert.

Thank you!

 

[00W]

I was just thinking about using it for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and ph.

Nitrites don't matter to us in saltwater, ammonia always false positives, nitrate can't distinguish colors.

 

[Calmwaters]

Nitrites don't matter to us in saltwater, ammonia always false positives, nitrate can't distinguish colors.

So what do I test for to be sure the cycle is complete? I have read so much and watched so many videos I think I have over loaded my poor little brain...

 

[tbrown]

I was just thinking about using it for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and ph.

Nitrates are somewhat inaccurate but I'd you're looking for a general ballpark you should be ok. I use Hanna for my Nitrates.

 

[kevgib67]

I was just thinking about using it for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and ph.

Ya, ignore nitrites, not important in saltwater but when present will give you false elevated nitrate levels.

 

[tbrown]

So what do I test for to be sure the cycle is complete? I have read so much and watched so many videos I think I have over loaded my poor little brain...

Nitrates are most important. Ammonia is a good thing to watch. If you still have ammonia you're not yet cycled but if you have nitrates your ammonia should either be dropping out or already gone.

 

[kevgib67]

Chances are if you have elevated nitrates you are or almost cycled. Verify no ammonia , do a water change and you are good to go.

 

[Calmwaters]

Nitrates are most important. Ammonia is a good thing to watch. If you still have ammonia you're not yet cycled but if you have nitrates your ammonia should either be dropping out or already gone.

Ok so ammonia and nitrates got it thank you.

 

[Calmwaters]

So these would be enough to get me started right?

 

[00W]

Ok so ammonia and nitrates got it thank you.

Order/pick up api ph test.
$5. Worth it.

 

[kevgib67]

So these would be enough to get me started right?

Sorry, I have always started with live rock, never had to use anything. Hopefully someone who started with dry rock will chime in. Is it to late to recommend live rock, I wouldn’t do it any other way.

 

[Calmwaters]

Sorry, I have always started with live rock, never had to use anything. Hopefully someone who started with dry rock will chime in.

I'm starting with live rock and sand so does that mean I don't need to test?

 

[kevgib67]

I'm starting with live rock and sand so does that mean I don't need to test?

No if it is true live rock you need none of it and you will have an instant cycle. Your live rock will have everything you need on it. Where are you getting it from?

 

[Calmwaters]

No if it is true live rock you need none of it and you will have an instant cycle. Your live rock will have everything you need on it. Where are you getting it from?

It comes with the tank it's been setup and cycled for a few years now.

 

[00W]

It comes with the tank it's been setup and cycled for a few years now.

I have only started with live rock as well.
I put rock and fish in same day only tested ph, calcium for 5 years.
Not suggesting this route en lieu of getting basted later but I've never done it another way.
I fully test weekly now, as you can read through this thread and see I do things a bit differently now, but if I started over again, I'd do that the same way.
Did I say that right?
I'm with Kev on this.

 

[kevgib67]

It comes with the tank it's been setup and cycled for a few years now.

Ya, you are ready to go. No need for any of those products. It is already cycled and you are ready to go! Off to the horse races! Did I mention I’m giving away free birdnest frags?

 

[Calmwaters]

Ya, you are ready to go. No need for any of those products. It is already cycled and you are ready to go! Off to the horse races! Did I mention I’m giving away free birdnest frags?

Ok so what was it again I needed to test for later to make sure corals are happy?