What Do I need to test and what do I need to add?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by tedsalmon, Aug 12, 2008.

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  1. tedsalmon

    tedsalmon Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2008
    Messages:
    57
    Location:
    Alva, Oklahoma
    I have been looking all over Dr Fosters and Smith and there are a lot of supplements. What do I need to add to my tank to really keep it happy? What else besides amonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph do I need to test for?
     
    tedsalmon, Aug 12, 2008
    tedsalmon, Aug 12, 2008
    #1

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  2. wjrg

    wjrg Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2008
    Messages:
    62
    Location:
    Puerto Rico
    Hi, all depends on what type of tank you have, if you have inverts and corals or fish only tank. If you have a reef type you have to test calcium, magnesium, PO4 and haednes (dkh).
     
    wjrg, Aug 12, 2008
    wjrg, Aug 12, 2008
    #2
  3. tedsalmon

    tedsalmon Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2008
    Messages:
    57
    Location:
    Alva, Oklahoma
    Ok well at this moment I do not have anything but live rock. My Nitrites are lowering and then I know I have to do about a 50% water change. I do want to keep inverts, fish and some corals that take low lighting.
     
    tedsalmon, Aug 12, 2008
    tedsalmon, Aug 12, 2008
    #3
  4. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2008
    Messages:
    1,550
    Location:
    Kingston, NY
    I'd suggest testing for dKH, Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphate whether or not you have a reef tank. Also need to keep salinity as constant as possible. Keeping track of those parameters will help to keep your tank much more stable.
     
    Reeron, Aug 12, 2008
    Reeron, Aug 12, 2008
    #4
  5. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    Messages:
    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    It depends on water changes (frequency) and the type of salt you are going to use. Frequency of water changes depending on bio-load, type of filtration , and inhabitants that may deplete your tank of Ca etc. Also depends on your water source.
     
    missionsix, Aug 13, 2008
    missionsix, Aug 13, 2008
    #5