Test Water How Often?

[Samper]

Just curious how often most of you guys run your water tests? Do you run them all at once or keep a log and do them at different periods. I have noticed that in some of the featured member links they mention when they test and what tests they run but havent found enough info on the subject to determine when I should run mine. Thanks guys.

[zhenya]

I run my water tests every two weeks,that would be Calcium and Alkalinity and lately the PO4. I rarely test for Nitrate or the ammonia, I basically look at my tank inhabitants and gauge by that. That is not to say that those tests should not be run,especially if you just starting out in this hobby or your tank is fairly new.

I think a good rule of thumb would be to run all your tests weekly to bi-weekly,if you have enough time-run all of them this way you won't forget any ;)

[Samper]

Thanks for the reply. Judging by what you have seen through observation of your systems what are the telltale signs that you have too high or too low levels of the following....?
pH:
CA:
Alk:
Nitrates:
Magnesium:
Iodine:
Strontium:

I will be testing regularly but I would like to know what to look for .For my own knowledge.

[Reefland]

Thanks for the reply. Judging by what you have seen through observation of your systems what are the telltale signs that you have too high or too low levels of the following....?
pH:
CA:
Alk:
Nitrates:
Magnesium:
Iodine:
Strontium:

I will be testing regularly but I would like to know what to look for .For my own knowledge.

There is no way to tell what level may be out of whack if you let your animals tell you what you chemistry is. To elaborate, if polyps are extending on SPS, or a LPS coral has not "opened up", then you can't tell what parameter may be causing it without checking. Could be ammonia, could be nitrite, could be the temperature or any combination of them.

pH, CA, ALK, Temp and Salinity should always be monitored even in established aquariums weekly or bi-weekly. Iodine and Strontium, in my opinion, should not be tested for since the commonly available tests cannot measure it accurately and therefore should not be tested for or added. Magnesium only when there is a problem getting calcium and alkalinity balanced. Nitrates as often as you like and ammonia and nitrite rarely once the tank is established.

Scott Z.

[Samper]

I couldnt have asked for a better answer. On a few other forums I have read similar responses. Thanks Scott.

[Reefland]

The longer you keep your tank, the more comfortable you will be come with the water parameters of it but in the beginning, test and test often.

Scott Z.