Water testing Parameters

[Alvanck]

Hi All!

Tank is currently cycling, patiently waiting for it to be finished up so I can add some livestock. I was curious as I’ve fallen down the YouTube rabbit hole.

Tank: IM 25 gallon lagoon
My goals: a few fish, corals, single anemone eventually.
Currently have: refractometer, ammonia testing, nitrate and nitrite testing.

Question: what water parameters am I going to want to test weekly for healthy corals, fish, anemones when the time comes? Of course I know salinity, however with so many testing kits out there I want to be sure I’m getting the right one for the parameters that are required for a healthy tank. Any test kits that cover them all? Really appreciate it!

Alv

 

[Fish Fan]

Congrats on the IM 25 lagoon, I have the same tank, and the dimensions are great!

This is my suggestion for your questions;

Definitely test temp and salinity, making sure those remain stable.

You can test for ammonia during the cycle, then you won't need to test it anymore.

You can toss the nitrite kit Nitrites are non-toxic in saltwater, and you don't have to test for or worry about them, even during the cycle. Just watch for your ammonia to fall and some nitrate to be registering, and you're good to safely add some hardy livestock.

I would suggest testing for both nitrate and phosphate as these relate not just to coral heath but also algae and some other pests. It's good to have a handle on both of these values.

Then, the 'big three" for coral care are Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium. But, here's the deal - if, like most people who are new to the hobby, you plan on keeping easy to grow soft corals and Zoas, these corals don't use as much of these elements as their stoney coral cousins because soft corals don't have to build a calcium carbonate skeleton. So, if you do regular, partial water changes, the water changes will keep your alk, calc and mag in fine shape for these corals, no testing needed

If/when you get into stoney corals, its's a very good idea to know at least your alkalinity and ideally calcium. As mentioned, magnesium is important, but there's a better way to manage it than testing for it as most home magnesium test kits are unreliable.

In short; I'd get ammonia and nitrate right now, and phosphate sooner than later. If you think you'll be keeping LPS or SPS corals, then go ahead and get at least an alk test and ideally a calc test.

Oh, you can safely ignore pH too. Many tanks run a little low and do just fine, and it's not a parameter worth chasing, unless you are growing corals professionally or competitively, in my opinion.

For test kits, I would suggest trying to stay away from API brand, they are not well received here on R2R. Salifert brand test kits are inexpensive and trusted. Hanna Checkers are well liked, if not a bit spendy to purchase and replace the reagents.

I hope that helps and good luck!