Initial Test Kits needed?

[Reefer James]

I am starting my first softy/LPS tank (20g AIO), well I had a bad run at reefing 18 years ago and finally going to start up again now that the hobby has advance so much. I am in the process of purchasing everything I will need before I start so I can hopefully have a successful second run at this.

Q. what would you recommend for test kits, meaning what should I purchase now to start and have on hand to get me through the first 6 months to a year?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Salifert makes some of the best test kits along with red sea. For starting out I'd recommend Ammonia, Nitrate, PH (unless you have a controller with a PH probe), Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

After ammonia from cycling, alkalinity is most important, followed by calcium.