Testing supplies, need advice

Hi,

Still setting up tank, getting close to being ready for life, but not yet. I was just wondering what test kits are good for a beginner to have? I have NO2, NO3, NH4, calcium, phosphate, alkalinity and pH (hydrometer and thermometer, of course too)...but I notice that everyone is able to measure pH to one decimal place. I'm assuming this means buying a meter, which makes my wallet sigh loudly in my general direction as it has taken a real beating getting all the supplies for my tank.

The pH kit that I have will just generally tell me if I'm neutral, basic or acidic. Now, I'm sure that before I go investing in corals and fish (not to mention the ethical considerations) I probably want to be able to pin down the more important parameters. Problem is, I'm not sure what these are? Should I own meters instead of test kits? I mean, I'm sure it's preferable, but what's a smart play for the budget conscious? It seems to me that most of you are probably using pH meters, do you use test kits for the other water parameters or is another meter really necessary for a beginner too?

Thanks in advance!

 

honestly, I don't test ph at all. I don't think it's that big of an issue. ph can fluctauate by the minute depending on the co2/02 level in the water.

 

I agree ph is not nearly as important as kh. if your kh is staying steady your ph is most likely doing the same. a standard high range ph test kit will sufice though. it is pretty presice and costs much less than a meter.

 

ph pinpoint monitor, salifert test kits for all else