Water Tests??

[mbruni]

I am just getting into the hobby and I want to know what I should be testing for in my water. I want to set up a reef tank. I already have Seachem's Multi Test Basic (PH/Alkalinity/Ammonia/Nitrite/Nitrate) and know how to use and test them. But what other tests should I do to ensure the water is optimal for the reef and fish.

I plan on using Seachem SeaGel so I dont think phosphates, silicate, or any heavy metal tests will be needed.

[Reeftanker3295]

Should get phosphates and calcium and maybe magnesium for the corals.

[mbruni]

Okay and 1 more thing what should I use to supplement the tank?

I had these 3 products in mind but not sure it thats all I need:
Seachem Plus
Seachem Complete
Seachem Carbonate

Do I need these or can someone recommend all the things they use to supplement the water/tank.

[Fat Tony]

I would recommend the following tests (some of which you already have)

Alk
Calcium
Magnesium
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

Don't need a phosphate test, as it is pretty much useless. You will know you have a phosphate issue due to algae

[mbruni]

Okay and 1 more thing what should I use to supplement the tank?

I had these 3 products in mind but not sure it thats all I need:
Seachem Plus
Seachem Complete
Seachem Carbonate

ALso to top of the water do I just use RO water? Also to raise calcium levels should i just use seachem complete or should I just use that periodically between water toppings?

[Hop]

Originally Posted by mbruni

Okay and 1 more thing what should I use to supplement the tank?

I had these 3 products in mind but not sure it thats all I need:
Seachem Plus
Seachem Complete
Seachem Carbonate

ALso to top of the water do I just use RO water? Also to raise calcium levels should i just use seachem complete or should I just use that periodically between water toppings?

None of the above... When first starting a tank you only need to worry about water changes and monitoring the basics. There is a lot to learn about chemistry and you will have plenty of time to figure out what you need to dose and when, but those fixes in a bottle are generally a waste of money. And yes, you just top off with RO/DI water.

[jenglish]

I think that PO4 is unneeded, if you see algae, you have phosphates.

Nitrite- only really needs tested during cycle, I would not bother to buy a kit for that month. Ammonia and nitrate are plenty IME.

You will want to test for calcium, carbonate, and mag. It takes quite a few corals before you need more of these minerals than water changes will provide. But these three tests will tell you when you actually need to add any supplements. For now, they are probably unneeded

[Loverotties]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

I would recommend the following tests (some of which you already have)

Alk
Calcium
Magnesium
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate

Don't need a phosphate test, as it is pretty much useless. You will know you have a phosphate issue due to algae

I agree with Tony,but Ph too!

[luther1200]

I am not really familiar with those particular Seachem products. But I would suggest a 2 part once your reef starts consuming enough Ca/Alk. The 2 parts like C-balance or B-Ionic are a balanced supplement in relation to Ca/Alk. I am not sure if Seachem makes a 2 part, or if 2 of those products you listed act like a 2 part.