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Vinny Kreyling · 03/07/2018, 11:24 AM

I use Salifert for everything except Phosphates, there I use a Milwaukee photometer because the color is just too hard to read on the Salifert.
Many like the Hannah Checkers.
I test for Alkalinity, probably THE most important to keep stable.
Magnesium a close second, then Calcium & Nitrates.
The newest thinking is Nitrates up to 10 is OK, Phospates have been seen rising to over 1 without a detrimental affect & the jury is still out, but trying to keep it too low is probably not a good idea. Magnesium helps hold the balance of Calcium & Alkalinity & somewhere between 1350 - 1400 is OK.
Calcium should be around 450.
Red Sea & NYOS are others brands mentioned for testing.
In an established tank there is no need to test for Ammonia, buy cycling a new tank you do need to.

03/07/2018, 11:24 AM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	I use Salifert for everything except Phosphates, there I use a Milwaukee photometer because the color is just too hard to read on the Salifert. Many like the Hannah Checkers. I test for Alkalinity, probably THE most important to keep stable. Magnesium a close second, then Calcium & Nitrates. The newest thinking is Nitrates up to 10 is OK, Phospates have been seen rising to over 1 without a detrimental affect & the jury is still out, but trying to keep it too low is probably not a good idea. Magnesium helps hold the balance of Calcium & Alkalinity & somewhere between 1350 - 1400 is OK. Calcium should be around 450. Red Sea & NYOS are others brands mentioned for testing. In an established tank there is no need to test for Ammonia, buy cycling a new tank you do need to. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.