[repairman68]

What test kits do I need and what are the brands that are better
where is a list of what I though of testing for.
Ammonia
Calcium
Copper
Iodine
Iron
KH/Alkalinity
Magnesium
Nitrite
Nitrate
Phosphate
TDS ( both before And After the RO/DI unit)
I have not listed a PH as I plan to use a Neptune Aquacontroller Jr for this. should the be others that should get tested or any that dose not need to be tested.
thank for the help Scott

[rlcline76]

Honestly, I test for calcium, KH, Nitrate , phosphate regularly and have only purchased additional kits whenever I feel curious (except for the ammonia, I just haven't checked that one in awhile. But some people will tell you to check into all of it.

Becky

[repairman68]

Thanks Becky for the input

[chuck rayburn]

what levels should iodine be at as well as stronium and mg

[Six-line Wrasse]

I check nitrates, calcium and alkalinity about once a month, if not longer.

I for pH, specific gravity (salinity) and temperature every other day. I can check pH regularly because I have a monitor, not test kits.

I only check for ammonia and nitrites if there's a problem with my tank, and I don't bother with phosphates only because I use distilled water and I haven't ever had a serious algae problem.

Good brands of test kits are SeaChem, Salifert and Sera. The last two are more expensive than the first, but their accuracy and ease of use are superior. I prefer digital monitors over test kits, but that's only because I still get birthday gifts this year and em asking for the Milwaukee Bench Lab for Hobbists.

[rlcline76]

Scroll down to the bottom of the site where there is a forum for guides. RyanG has supplied us with the ideal parameters there.