newbie question

[sgallagher7]

I have done months of reading on RC about the proper equiptment, lighting, etc, and have made gradual purchases. My final purchase will be the live rock, and sand. Since im prepared for the mechanical stuff, what things do I need to get in line for the reef chemistry? I have read numerous articles by randy, et al. Just want to prepare for the next stage in this hobby.

[Bri Guy]

First, after you get the live rock, will be your cycle. For this Id get an Ammonia test kit. Nitrite and Nitrate test kits would give you a bigger picture but IMO not needed (untill later when your tank matures a bit then id get a NitrAte kit) You will want to test untill you get a reading of 0 or very close to before you put any purchases in there.

A way to test pH is also good to have. They have test kits, but you could say that I never really knew my pH untill I got a digital monitor.

And salinity is an obvious factor, I did fine with just a glass hydrometer for years, recently upgrading to a refractometer. I didn't realize my 30g (40 total volume) would evaporate 1/2g a day! And I havent had it running long enough to go through the hottest of summer. (even though Wisconsin doesn't have to worry it as much as about 40 other states :))

I mainly worry about the top 5 in this list
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.htm
(after ammonia during the cycle)

That should get you started, good luck

[sgallagher7]

Thanks. Read Randy's article and have those params. on a spreadsheet for logging when I do the tests. I plan on buying the salifert test kits, and a refractometer. As for the Ph, I was hoping to get the 2 point tester pens I have seen. As a follow up question, when should I start paying attention to things such as alk, calcium, and mag? Are these things monitored only when you add corals, or are they equally important when the curing process is over with the live rock, such as coraline growth,and any small hitchikers on the LR?

[bertoni]

Coralline and corals with skeleton require calcium and alkalinity to build their skeletons, so there not so much need to supplement calcium without them. Alkalinity is still useful to maintain the pH at a reasonable level, but consumption will drop off as calcium is depeleted.

[sgallagher7]

So initially I dont have to worry about dripping kalk, or other suppliments until the first corals go in? As im setting up my tank and sump, is there anything I should plan for?

[bertoni]

I wouldn't worry about alkalinity and calcium for a bit. I'm not very knowledgeable about sumps, so I can't help much there.

[Billybeau1]

When setting up your sump, I would recommend keeping some room available for macroalgae. Also a light to help it grow.

Macroalgae goes a long way in helping compete with the bad algae for nutrients helping to keep your tank from becoming unsightly.

[Bri Guy]

Put the fuge on a reverse lighting schedule than your main tank, this will keep the pH drop at night a smaller drop than if the lights were on the same schedule.

[sgallagher7]

have the fuge in the middle. approx. 8 gal. Read a great deal on cheato being a good buffer for nitrates and phosphates. I appreciate all the feedback. Just want to plan ahead and make sure I cover all of my bases.