I see there is an API saltwater test kit and reef test kit, but I think they have some of the same tests. Do I need both or are there just a few tests I really need to worry about?
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I see there is an API saltwater test kit and reef test kit, but I think they have some of the same tests. Do I need both or are there just a few tests I really need to worry about?
Reef or fish only or?
Ok, so not sure what you already have so I will give you the essentials. You need a refractometer to test your salinity and the only 3 test kits I use regularly are salifert magnesium, calcium, and alkalinity.
IMO I would stay away from the api test kits for those 3. I guess you are also going to need ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate since you are setting up new and are going to go through a cycle, you could use API for those.
Personally I use the basic three ammonia, nitrate, nitrite with API. Don't test these anymore unless I suspect something might be off. I use the salifert for cal, mag, alk. But i ordered the red sea test kit of these three as well to check ease of use and accuracy.
I have a hydrometer for testing gravity that should be fine, currently I have nothing I am planning to have a sand bed, live rock, some fish, some corals. I have nothing as far as test kits go either, so I thought I would need at least the API Saltwater Master that has ph, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. Maybe I can just start with that one since I won't really have anything in my tank for awhile. Then I can buy magnesium calcium and alkalinity.
Hydrometers are not very accurate and it is not uncommon to have varying results on the same water. If you were only keeping fish then I would say it will be fine but if you plan on keeping corals accuracy and stability are key to successful reef keeping.
I use salifert MAG. CAL. ALK
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