Softies only, which tests do you perform

[Pedal Dangit]

When keeping softies only: mushrooms, GSP, leathers, etc. Which tests are you concerned with?

Do you bother testing for CA, ALK, MG ?

I have a Nyos Nitrate kit and was thinking adding a phosphate kit, but that may be it. If I'm not planning on dosing anything, is there any reason to purchase other kits? Curiosity and confirmation of whats in my salt mix is the only reason I can think of.

 

[andrewkw]

What sized tank? While you may not need a dosing pump depending on how often you do water changes and how fast your corals grow you may still need to do monthly or weekly adjustments eventually.

While I do have other corals in my main reef tank it is softy dominated and I'm still testing alk weekly ca weekly and mg monthly since I rarely have to adjust mg. I do not regularly test nitrate and test po4 once a month.

 

[lapin]

Really depends on your tank and how often you do water changes and the salt mix. I would test for Salinity, Nitrate, Phosphate and Alk. If you wanted to go a bit farther Cal and Mag. A good salt mix and regular water changes should keep all in line. Once you have it dialed in and stable you can reduce testing. You just need a base line so if something looks off you can see if its water chemistry.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

When keeping softies only: mushrooms, GSP, leathers, etc. Which tests are you concerned with?

Do you bother testing for CA, ALK, MG ?

I have a Nyos Nitrate kit and was thinking adding a phosphate kit, but that may be it. If I'm not planning on dosing anything, is there any reason to purchase other kits? Curiosity and confirmation of whats in my salt mix is the only reason I can think of.

I just got my first ICP test. I was low on ca,mg,alk. So now test every 2 weeks, and use colorimeter tester only, quicker. I had the testers before sending out for ICP test, just got lazy.

If ph or alkalinity out of wack, I use calcium hydroxide.