Test kits for a soft coral tank

[LordJoshaeus]

Hi! I just learned today that the API test kits are not reliable enough for saltwater. What kits should I use instead for my 10 gallon soon to be soft coral tank? And what should I be concerned about measuring? (Aside from the standard ammonia/nitrite/nitrate during the cycle, that is). Thanks :)

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Salifert, Hanna, or RedSea is what I tell everyone!

Get yourself Alk and Ca testers; you don't need Mg (refer to randys article about not needing to test Mg)

I also would make sure you have a reliable salinity checker and use a DIY calibration solution for it to make sure you are getting an accurate result each time.

Some people will also reccomend a PAR meter, I personally never had one as they aren't cheap. You can always borrow one or rent one from a friend if you are unsure about your tank's lighting

 

[mfinn]

Hi! I just learned today that the API test kits are not reliable enough for saltwater. What kits should I use instead for my 10 gallon soon to be soft coral tank? And what should I be concerned about measuring? (Aside from the standard ammonia/nitrite/nitrate during the cycle, that is). Thanks :)

I've always used the API test kit for just keeping track when you are cycling a new tank.
As far as doing a softy tank, I tell people that just doing regular water changes with a decent salt is all you really need.
I haven't tested alk, ca, or mag in my softy tank for more than a couple decades.

 

[LordJoshaeus]

Salifert, Hanna, or RedSea is what I tell everyone!

Get yourself Alk and Ca testers; you don't need Mg (refer to randys article about not needing to test Mg)

I also would make sure you have a reliable salinity checker and use a DIY calibration solution for it to make sure you are getting an accurate result each time.

Some people will also reccomend a PAR meter, I personally never had one as they aren't cheap. You can always borrow one or rent one from a friend if you are unsure about your tank's lighting

I calibrated my refractometer with distilled water...was that a mistake?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I calibrated my refractometer with distilled water...was that a mistake?

Not a mistake!

Most places will say to use a calibration solution, as it is more accurate. I used RODI water at first but then switched over to a calibration solution; I don't think my number was off. But this was a while back.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/calibrating-with-distilled-water.697126/

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I never really test on my softie tank, when I do I test nitrate and phosphate only. Soft corals don't really consume alk or calcium so IMO those tests are not needed. I've never tested magnesium on any tank. IMO for a 10 gallon softie tank, keep it as simple as possible. I would use your API nitrate tester and buy a salifert phosphate tester, IMO thats good enough.

 

[get-salty]

Hi! I just learned today that the API test kits are not reliable enough for saltwater. What kits should I use instead for my 10 gallon soon to be soft coral tank? And what should I be concerned about measuring? (Aside from the standard ammonia/nitrite/nitrate during the cycle, that is). Thanks :)

My man..... only took you 8 yrs to realize it ?
haha
nvr too late i guess

 

[exnisstech]

Here's Randy's recipe for diy calibration fluid using table salt. I don't trust the store bought stuff and have always read refractometers should not be calibrate with rodi
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php