Which tests to do??

I'm not sure what tests to perform on my reef. Right now I do the standard ammonia,ph,nitrite,nitrate. Reading through this forum I'm overwhelmed by all the different tests and parameters. Any suggestions on which are the main tests I should be performing. I think that calcium and alk. should be high on the list but am not sure of what else.

I plan to get some LPS's and softs in the near future.

 

Definitely Calcium and Alk, but also Phosphate and Silica. If you really want to keep your calcium and Alk in check Magnesium.

 

How does the Magnesium affect the calcium and Alk?

 

Reefman?

 

It will keep calcium from precipitating. Therefore your calcium will not drop and rise. It will stay more constant. You'll want to keep it between 1250 and 1350 ppm.

 

[quote author=Jason McKenzie link=board=Newbie;num=1091594299;start=45#51 date=08/13/04 at 09:54:59]Tap Water will result in Phosphates and other nasties that are not commonly measured by Reefers, I would concentrate on Phosphates and silica test kits if using tap water.

As for the CA I would also check you PH and ALK. I don't really like recommending additive at the stage your tank is in. So first I would check the Following
Ammonia (I assume you have already)
nitrite (I assume you have already)
Nitrate (I assume you have already)
CA
Alk
PH
Phosphate
Silicate
magnesium ( not a must but good to know)
Iodine ( have never found a test kit I could even get a good reading from)
Strontium ( not a must but good to know)

These would be your basic water tests with a few extras.

J[/quote]