Tool help

What tests should I buy? I have nitrite nitrate amonia and ph.

I am on a low cost budget so what test should I buy next and what brand. Thanks guys

 

Depends on what is in your tank...I would say Alkalinity (KH)

 

I you have or are planning on having hard corals then Calcium, Alkalinity are a must. Magnesium if too if you want.

If you're just doing FOWLR then the ones you have should be enough.

I like API tests.

 

Phosphate if you are keeping corals also. API will do fine.

 

Nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, pH are the bare bones tests you have to have. That's all you really have to have for a fish only (FO) system.

For a reef you'll also have to have alkalinity and calcium. Consider those required for a reef, and desirable for a FOWLR tank.

Secondary tests would include: phosphate, copper, magnesium, iodine, oxygen. As well as just about any test sold.


For a reef consider copper and phosphate before anything else that's secondary.

In most cases you can rely on the basics for regular testing and have a local fish store (LFS) do any extended testing if you encounter a problem and your own tests turn up in the normal range.

You'll also have to have a way to measure Specific Gravity, a hydrometer like the "Deep Six" style is satisfactory, a _GOOD_ refractometer is better, and suggested for a reef tank.


Of course a thermometer. I prefer to have 2 digital thermometers running that log high/low temps. I have one in the DT and one in the sump.

The best tool of all tho is 3reef founder, Matt Rodgers. ...really... who sips from a shot glass?