Test kits and frequency of tests that should be run?

[newreefer_59]

In setting up my 150 gallon reef tank, just like to get a feel for the water testing kits and frequency of tests that should be routinely run....

My first set of test results:
Specific Gravity - 1.02
Temperature 75 F
N02 - Near zero
Calcium - 500 ppm
Magnesium - 1300 ppm
Ammonia - .1
Pottasium - 325
KH - ~ 15


The additives I have been using:
Corallife Calcium
Magnesium
Marine Trace Elements
Strontium

Many thanks

[xtreme]

I'm curious, what are you using to test potassium?

[Trigger Man]

For me I keep testing each parameter till it is contantly the same, and then I may check the parameters again in a month or so to see if it is the same. If it is noticably off I try to figure out why and test till it is constant again. After it is constant I will check KH and Cal out every couple of months to make sure they are still constant and adjust as needed. I will also check certain parameters whenever I start dosing something new, or if I change salts.

[mark]

For my Ca reactor I'll monitor (electronic meter) the pH and at it's drip rate and bubble count daily. More just a glace to get a feel of things.

About every week or two (and sometimes longer) I'll record reactor pH, counts, system pH plus alk and Ca using Saliferts kits. As the Mg seems to be steady, test less frequently with a Elos kit.

As using IO salt, know it's low on Ca and Mg so I'll record for the first couple of water changes what a new pail mixes out as so I'll know how much to supplement. I'll test for SG of the new mix and system to ensure they match before the change using a refractometer.

Been a bit for NO3, but once every month or so (measuring zero all the time gets boring). PO4, as not having any real nuisance algea problems, using ro/di, have a macro fuge, rarely test for it.

Temperature is on a controller so not really worried about that but every time I put my hand in the tank, I think about it. I'll also be mindful if the heater light is on or the evap fans running.

I'm using this routine as had the system up for close to 3 years and is stable. If I'm changing something or trying something different, I'll monitor different for a bit. Example, changed to a different reactor and would do reading multiple times a day, to daily, every couple of days then back to every week or so.

Would say also if I was adding something, I'd be testing for it.

[mark]

here's the numbers for natural seawater (NSW)

[Aqua-Digital]

Here is a blog about testing for Potassium.

http://stonyreef.com/blog/2008/potas...lium-test-kit/

[newreefer_59]

They said it was the last one and they are tough to come by

Question: You have a 'mag 18 return pump'. I have one as well but find very loud (too loud for the room it is in). Is your's quiet? For a 150 gallon tank, I am told I need at least 1500 gph rate, but desire a quieter pump.

[newreefer_59]

[xtreme]

So you have the KZ one then right?

[Trigger Man]

Originally Posted by newreefer_59

They said it was the last one and they are tough to come by

Question: You have a 'mag 18 return pump'. I have one as well but find very loud (too loud for the room it is in). Is your's quiet? For a 150 gallon tank, I am told I need at least 1500 gph rate, but desire a quieter pump.

My Mag 18 has not been to loud, my skimmer is actually the little sound I hear. I did make sure that I put in on a little piece of foam, and not to let it touch any part of the sump. My tank is in my living room and have never had any complaints about sound from anyone that comes over.