Water Testing Equipment

So I have my tank, stand, lighting and an RO/DI rig is in the mail. I'm in the final stages of researching refugium set ups and protein skimmers and should have both in the next couple of weeks at which point I hope to fill my tank with substrate and water and start cycling.

Being new to reef tanks- I had a FO tank way back- I have no idea what water testing supplies I will need.

Ideally what testing equipment and supplies should I keep on hand and what brands in your opinions are the best quality or the best value?

Thanks. You all have been a great help so far. Awesome board and an awesome bunch!

 

For starters, I would get Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, and Alkalinity. Then once you begin getting corals get Calcium and Magnesium. Some people say you will need a few more, but these are the only ones I have and IMO are the only ones really necessary. Welcome to 3reef!

Ivan

 

Thanks Ivan.

Any advice on brands? Best quality/accuracy, best bang for your buck?

 

Go with API test kits.. This one is what I and many others use and will cover your necessities until you get into building your reef. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Saltwater Liquid Master Test Kit

And welcome to 3Reef..

 

Thanks bama.


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what did you all get? tank size and so on, welcome to 3reef, the best reef on the planet!

 

+1,this kit is inexspensive and will be easy to use while cycling your tank.For Ca and Mg I would reccomend Salifert,but you don't really need those yet.

 

92 gal Oceanic bow front rectangular. 4 bulb plus led moonlight light strip- sorry, not home this week and can't remember type of fixture or bulbs. Mag 9. CPR overflow and that little pump that comes with it. One current producing device. Typhoon 6 stage RO/DI/Chloramine filter in the mail.
Not sure what refugium or skimmer I'm going with yet. Will update and journal progress once I get home from my trip.

What about salinity measurment? What's the most accurate, good quality refractometer that won't bust the bank?

Thanks y'all

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A hydrometer (i think the instant ocean one is the best) is nice to have around, but IMO a refractometer is a must. I went with one of the 40 dollar ones from foster/smith i believe and it hasn't done me wrong.

 

a few things:

- TDS meter to test your RO/DI water, I have the HM TDS-3 handheld, works great:
http://www.tdsmeter.com/products/tds3.html

- don't forget your salt, I use Oceanic, there's many out there though

- A reactor is always good to keep PO4 down also, it will help any nuisance algae outbreaks from happening. I would suggest the Phosban 150 with Rowa media: Two Little Fishies Phosban Reactor

- refractometer I use is the mid-level one I got at Dr Fostsrs: Saltwater Aquarium Salinity & Specific Gravity Testing: Portable Refractometer

Also you may want to get an extra heater and powerhead for mixing water before a WC. The BRUTE containers (white,grey,yellow) are good ones for mixing that will not leech anything into the water.

best of luck!