test kits - which ones?

I currently test for:
calcium
magnesium
ph
nitrate
nitrite
ammonia
salinity
And all of those are in check. my question is, do you recommend i buy an alkalinity and phosphate tester? I want coralline and i hear if you have phosphates that kills coralline. If my mag and cal levels are in check, does that mean my alkalinity has to be somewhat acceptable? this could be completely wrong but i just heard it somewhere. I have never tested for alkalinity with this tank. does that mean the alkalinity is garunteed to be low? because ive never dosed for it (that is if you even dose for it ;D )

Thanks,
ryan

 

hi Cira050

Yes - testing for Phosphates is ideal IMO , not only does it impede coralline growth (which is a good or a bad thing depending on your perspective) more importantly
Phosphate is the food of many species of undesireable algae - so keeping on top of this nutrient is ideal IMO

yes - testing for Alk or DHK (same thing different terminology) is required on top of Calc and Mag - the 3 are linked and its possible to have acceptable levels on the 2 you measure but have a problem with the one your not measuring
measure all 3 IMO

Steve

 

Thank you steve for your input. And congrats on the new position in 3reef. Anyways, what if my alkalinity is too high or too low? how do i treat that? i guess same question goes for phosphates

Thanks,
Ryan

 

Thanks Cira050

Phosphates - most people would use a Phosphate reactor with GFO resin , many brands available Rhowphos is one, Phosban is another - and this chemical media absorbs Phosphates and does not leach them back , they can also be used bagged up and in a cannister filter if you dont have a reactor, not as efficient that way but IME still eventually effective

Alk to high or to low - can result in colour loss, bleaching, burning of corals and other problems

dont make any sudden changes in any case as creatures that have adapted to gradual increases or decreases can react badly to any sudden reversals of those situations

so test 1st and post your results - thereafter advice given will be tailored to your specifc tank and situation

but to get you started on your research - Alk to high could be reduced by increasing calcium level

alk to low can be increased by adding lime water - but this would then reduce your calc level

its complicated - and there are far more qualified people than me to talk about it

but the main thing is dont change anything to quicky - if indeed you need to at all

Steve

 

Once your tank is mature ammonia, nitrites and even nitrates aren't tested often if at all.
I rely on Salifert kits for calcium, alkalinity and phosphates and also have Salifert for magnesium, silicates and some others but I rarely use them.
For salinity nothing compares to a refractometer and for pH a monitor or controller.