What do you test for regularly in your reef tank?

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Just a tip you don't need to test for trace elements they are not important for dosing or testing as they come in the salt. You should worry about: Nitrate, PH, Salinity, Phosphate, Mag, Calcium, Alkalinity unless your cycling which Nitrite and Ammonia you should also test!

I don't think you can test for trace elements...can you? I believe that's why they're called "trace" elements...bc there are only traces of them in the water...but I suppose I could be mistaken...

 

[Eienna]

I don't think you can test for trace elements...can you? I believe that's why they're called "trace" elements...bc there are only traces of them in the water...but I suppose I could be mistaken...

You can, but it usually requires precise, sensitive tests/equipment.

 

[billyhalloween]

I only test alkalinity and calcium regularly. I do test magnesium and nitrate on a somewhat regular basis. Monthly PH, salinity, ammonia, nitrate and phosphate.

 

[Reef.ductionist]

I like to keep my eyes on Ph, Salinity,temp, Calcium, Alk, Mag,

 

[scsreef]

I test Alk, Cal, and phosphates weekly

 

[Greenstreet.1]

Cal and alk

 

[TheSaint216]

Cal Alk and Mag just to make sure the Doser is on point.

 

[jilnifer]

When do you test?

I test for pH, alk, Mg, Ca, ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates on a weekly basis. I also do a water change each week. My question is when do you test? After a water change seems wasteful. Shouldn't things be good? However before a water change doesn't make sense. You will be changing nutrients as soon as you put fresh saltwater into the tank. So, is the middle of the week the best time?

 

[Steviereefs]

I test my alk every day because of crazy OCD and also because it take only a minute so I think y not. Of course once in a while I miss a day, but usually not. I walk into that room sometimes I say to myself don't test I don't need to and then I'm like nope I'm testing LOL crazy but it's cool to see the little fluctuations and I can change my dose on the spot.

 

[joeyhatch11]

I test Alk every morning while I'm dosing the tank. Its the one parameter that I think makes the biggest impact on my reef. My calcium is always 440-460 so I only test that once a week and magnesium is usually 1260-1300 and I test that once a month. All other parameters don't get checked unless something is really off.

 

[ReefRMadness]

Alk everyday