What do you test for regularly in your reef tank?

[Daniel@R2R]

Hi guys! This is a poll, so be sure to weigh in (you can comment through Tapatalk or R2R apps, but you'll have to log in from a computer in order to actually vote in the poll...the mobile apps don't support the poll).

What are you testing for in your reef tank (on a regular basis)? I've listed the options for things I know people test for regularly (if you see something is missing, post it up and I'll add it to the list). If you test for something you know others don't usually test for, or you don't test for something others usually do, feel free to comment and explain why we should or shouldn't pay attention to those levels.

Hope this is fun and we learn from each other!

 

[Worldwide reefs]

Alk., Mg, Ca - usually in that order as well. Alk gets checked 4x a week, Mg is 2x, and Ca. Is once to twice as well.

 

[glb]

Alk, mg, ca and nitrates weekly. Phosphates, salinity every once in a while, as they never change in my tank. I check temp daily.

 

[mfinn]

Now that I am doing more lps and sps I try and keep tabs on Ca. Alk. Mg. and Ph.

 

[Squishie89]

I slack big time on testing. I pretty much only test salinity these days to make sure it matches the water change water. If you were to ask what do I test for second most regularly that would be H, nitrates, calcium.

 

[saltyhog]

I'm sure I test way too much but I'm both a newbie and still adjusting my 2 part dosing as my corals grow and I add new ones. I test for Nitrates, Ca, Alk every 4-5 days. Check Mg every other time I test Ca, Alk, nitrates. Check salinity a couple of times a week. I constantly monitor temp and pH via my controller.

 

[jcollinsks]

I only test for things when I notice something isn't right, but what I am learning from the people on this forum... if you test for stuff regularly... it is ridiculous the growth you can get! I just wish they would make an electronic way to test for everything! Also make it so much faster!

 

[bigfoot86]

Alk, Cal at least twice a week. Phosphates, Mg, salinity and ph once a week as they tend not to change much in my tank.

 

[revhtree]

Alk, Cal.

 

[sqcube4me]

alk cal mag

 

[Chris07]

Alk and cal only because of coral growth other than that I look at my tank every day and It pretty much tells you whats going on. Been debating buying a mag test kit as Ive never tested for It. My cal and alk stays the same though so I never saw the point. I also do a 10% water change weekly so I think Im getting most of my trace elements there. Anyone see a reason why I should buy a mag test kit?

 

[joekool]

Well Mg is important and helps keep from depleting Ca and Alk as fast. I think its good to know. I use the salifert tests for Mg Ca KH/Alk. If you have a LFS that does free tests have them check it for you. If you use good salt than everything should be good with 10% a week unless your corals growing crazy. MY SPS and LPS are going nuts so I dose even doing 10% changes every week.

 

[nova65ss]

Alk two to three times a week. Everything else hardly ever maybe once a month.

 

[Paul B]

It doesn't have a choice for nothing, so I couldn't vote. ray:

 

[beaslbob]

It doesn't have a choice for nothing, so I couldn't vote. ray:

:wink::wink::wink::wink::wink::wink:

And you tank lasts 40 years. :squigglemouth:

 

[Coraloliseffect]

Proper appearance of the animals. Alk. calk.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

It doesn't have a choice for nothing, so I couldn't vote. ray:

LOL My oversight. Sorry. I wish I had your husbandry skills! You never test for anything?

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Proper appearance of the animals. Alk. calk.

Hmm...somebody's been reading the UniqueCorals' rant?? +1 appearance of the tank is definitely the most important factor and best indicator of a potential problem...I think the point to testing is more about maintaining stability than detecting a problem... What do you think?

 

[NC2WA]

I test for Alk, Ca, and Mg. Mg is very important as their is a relationship between alk and Mg and for that matter pH.

 

[christye]

I test alot with a new or new-to-me tank...Alk, Ca Mag - Amm Nitrate/trites pH, salinity.
Salinity with water changes. pH is on a controller. pH changes drive lots of checks. I check phos now and then and a lot more than that if things start swinging, like algae acts up. I admit to slacking off testing when things are going smoothly, and run for the test kits if things look "off" Same with water changes...plenty and often with new or new to me tank, less often as time goes by to 10% monthly? if all is well. Filter hard, skim heavy, feed the critters (change the light bulbs)