What all should i test for in my reef tank?

I have noticed some changes to my corals and fish in the past few couple of months and i was wondering what all i should test for. What more should i test for besides these things?

ph
nitrite
nitrate
ammonia
calcium
carbonate hardness
iodine

I will be buying these things today so i need some help! Thanks

 

I do not think you need the iodine test unless you are dosing with iodine, not something I recommend. Be very careful when dosing with iodine.

What changes are you talking about specifically ?

 

Well, i would like to try some sps coral and i want to make sure i have perfect quality berfore i start to add them. I have only tested my water once in a year and it was perfect. I know i need to test my water constantly but the corals have been thriving so why mess with it. I would just like to have a test kit to do weekly and when i test it i have to have all areas covered so i can pin point what the problem is.

 

PH
Nitrate
Nitrite
Ammonia
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphates
Alkalinity (Carbonate Hardness)

Are what I test for when Running them...

I feel like Im missing one though.

 

RedGambit,

Can you please tell me what these each are and what they will do to benifit the corals and water quality? I know everything else about reef tanks but these things. Thanks

 

KH

I am on board with your testing though.

 

they are the basics of water quality and understanding them ensures keeping a good happ reef. these are the tests that make our sea water as close to sea water as possible.

 

Alkalinity, Carbonate hardness, KH are the same thing.

 

What is magnesium and phosphates?

 

Phosphates are a waste product that needs to be kept very low for SPS coral and low for the rest.

Magnesium is an element that helps keep your alkalinity and Calcium steady. It also used some to build coral skeletons.