What are the most important tests for chemistry?

x2 on that!

 

Actually I have added a few frags of Green Star, Mushrooms, Xenia, a few Zoas.

Makes since. If you have an algae problem, you most likely have Po4 prob.

mangroves or for people with a refugium correct? which I dont have.

That also makes since.

However my manner was this way.
1.noticed an algae issue
2.assumed I had a po4 problem
3.purchased a po4 removing agent
4.however still wanted to purchase po4 test kit to verify po4 removing agent was doing its job.

Is algae always caused from high phosphates?

 

+ 1 with Steve.

 

A sump or fuge is an ideal place for them, but you can put them in the corner of the DT or if you have an extra HOB filter you can put them in that. they will get plenty of light from the tank lights either way.

Algae need light and nutrients (Po4) to grow. since we have to provide light we do everything possible to limit the nutrients

You can see them in the corner of my tank while I was building the sump.