Less is More

I would say no and yes on this one.

Yes I think it is good for the new hobbyists to do tests/checks on water quality. I say no there isnt a need to jump right into things and starting doing something drastic about it. Massive sudden water changes, dosing, chemicals, etc etc can in some cases throw things more out of wack then they are.

Lets say nitrates for example has a high reading. I read on here people (recommending and doing) huge water like 50% water changes. A change that big has now introduced basically a whole additional part to the equation. Yes, steady testing will ID the climb of said nitrates, no I dont think that much of a water change is the right thing to do.

Grow slow, let it grow? right? that can apply to your tank and the aquarists.

 

I disagree, testing ammonia and nitrite is important at the very beginning. Then depending on what they want to do nitrate and phosphate could also be important. I agree they shouldn't be dosing elements if they are doing water changes when they are starting.