Im new to saltwater aquariums and read in a book that you have to check your aquariums water daily. I found some aquarium test strips, but was wondering what to check, and how. Any help would be appreciated.
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Get a liquid test kit and follow the instructions. If you’re cycling you really only have to monitor ammonia and nitrates. I’d say every 3-4 days for ammonia and test for nitrates about the same. Once nitrates start registering then your close to the end of cycleOk thanks. But how often would i test, and how exactly would i? is there a specific amount or something?
Testing is important early on, when cycling. After the tank is cycled the parameters shouldn't change too much, as long as you are doing water changes and not overfeeding. I tested every 3 days for the first few months and saw pretty much no fluctuation in levels after my first month with the tank. Really comes down to peace of mind. The only thing over testing hurts is your wallet.Ok thanks. But how often would i test, and how exactly would i? is there a specific amount or something?
Note, there are more elements in a reef system. When I read the original post I didn't look at your screen name.Testing is important early on, when cycling. After the tank is cycled the parameters shouldn't change too much, as long as you are doing water changes and not overfeeding. I tested every 3 days for the first few months and saw pretty much no fluctuation in levels after my first month with the tank. Really comes down to peace of mind. The only thing over testing hurts is your wallet.
No. The only type of hydrometer I'd recommend are the glass, sealed systems like this which tend to be fragile and awkward to use, but very reliable and precise.is the refractometer the same as a hydrometer?
ok ill get a refractometer. Thanks!No. The only type of hydrometer I'd recommend are the glass, sealed systems like this which tend to be fragile and awkward to use, but very reliable and precise.
"Good" is a measure of accuracy here. If you're going with that, get some calibration solution and test it every time you use it. The only tester that doesn't need to be calibrated is the sealed glass hydrometer.
Pretty sure I have the same one. Just make sure it comes with the calibration liquid and you use it before every test. I also second getting the salifert test kits
Everyone will have different opinions on when to test, but that's alright! The hobby has evolved to have many approaches and practices, and at the end of the day so long as it works out for the live stock you want to keep and for you, then well I think that's fine.Im new to saltwater aquariums and read in a book that you have to check your aquariums water daily. I found some aquarium test strips, but was wondering what to check, and how. Any help would be appreciated.