Test Kits

[dstall]

What are the must have test kits for a newbe and recommended brands? Should each parameter be checked daily, weekly ??

[doox00]

salifert are very good test kits. start with ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. You can get the others after cycle.

this place has good prices on them typically also

http://www.maroonlagoon.net/

[dstall]

What about ca?

[doox00]

no need to test calcium during cycle, but eventually you will want it, as well as alk, ph, phosphates

[dstall]

Great thank. Is there s normal time frame for cycling?? Almotst two weeks now and levels have been good

[rw24]

For a good cycle you are probably looking at about 4 weeks or so. For the tank to get fairly stable it will take about 6 months.

[hans1976]

Salifert Prices (http://www.geocities.com/hans1976/Salifert.html)

[marw99]

I like the Sailferts test kits

[smcdonn]

Salifert are good kits but feel that you can use the cheaper Aquarium Pharmaceuticals for things such as nitrates, nitrites, phos and such. I feel that the salifert kits are nice for accurate measurments for things such as Alk, and Ca but feel that the cheaper kits will do fine for the other things. Just a way to save a few bucks. Cheers