Tank Chem For Dummies (Like Me!)

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by MaJaCa, Dec 10, 2009.

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  1. MaJaCa

    MaJaCa Plankton

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2009
    Messages:
    8
    Location:
    Omaha, NE
    Could someone help me out by telling me what additives, test kits/equipment I'm going to need for the 115g mixed reef tank I'm setting up now?

    So far, I am "investing" in an RO/DI thingy, and I'm planning on getting the Red Sea Coral Pro Salt to mix in it. I'm buying a refractometer off ebay, but besides that, i'm clueless... :confused:

    Thanks!
     
    MaJaCa, Dec 10, 2009
    MaJaCa, Dec 10, 2009
    #1

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  2. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
    Messages:
    2,390
    Location:
    Ft Washington, MD
    Your off to a good start.... need to add some good test kits, silfert is considered one of the best out there but are by no means the only ones. all my basic kits are Red Sea PH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, ALK - and then I use Silfert for Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate
     
    Telgar, Dec 10, 2009
    Telgar, Dec 10, 2009
    #2
  3. Screwtape

    Screwtape Tonozukai Fairy Wrasse

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2008
    Messages:
    2,289
    I use different brands, Salifert and Elos but would just like to add that I think pH test kits are useless. They are inaccurate, difficult to read and pH varies so much over the course of the day that they're barely useful. If you maintain your alkalinity and the room the tank is in is well ventilated your pH should be no problem.

    Also, here's a good article on chemistry basics and supplementing. Skip over the technical parts if you like there is still a lot of good info in the article.
    http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php
     
    Screwtape, Dec 11, 2009
    Screwtape, Dec 11, 2009
    #3