BASIC WATER PARAMETER TESTS

[beaver]

Halo,

As above, which are the basic water tests for coral-keeping?

Temperature

Salinity

pH

Ammonia

Phosphate

Nitrite

Nitrate

kH

Anything else? Iodine or Mg, neccessary?

Thanks,

[amteo]

I'd add calcium to the list.

[FuEl]

Once you've got familiar with the hobby..basically only a few tests.

Salinity, Temperature, phosphate, nitrate, calcium, kH. The others like pH, ammonia, nitrites, etc tend to stay the same when your tank is stable.

With frequent water changes iodide and Mg levels tend to stay within range.

A well-tuned Ca reactor will keep your Ca, kH and Mg levels in check. Depending on the media you utilize other elements like Strontium may also be maintained.

[RAV-65]

Before Ca and KH, I guess Mg is the most important...

when I start my new tank, the 1st parameter I'd address would be the MG...

[Reefbum]

Depending on what types of corals you will want to keep.My advise would be to get all if you are keen in higher end type of corals.