Test Kits

[nathan01]

What Test Kits are needed for a new marine setup please

 

[Danno]

A basic test kit should test:

Ammonia
Nitrate
Nitrite
Alkalinity
pH (make sure that you get one with the pH rate of 7+)

Advanced test kits can include:

Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphates
Silicate
Iodine


And of course you need a hydrometer/refractometer for SG/Salinity.

 

[black molly3]

to be honest nathen i woldnt bother with the advanced as you are only a begginer like me but just make sure you get the standard listed and a hydrometer or a refractometer.
i started my tank with a hardy clown fish but there are pleanty of hardy fish out there like damsels etc

 

[Ter]

if your going for a reef with a clean up crew.. Calcium might be a good basic one also
Ter

 

[nathan01]

ok what is best for a substrate is Coral sand which looks like broken shells or just normal sand?

 

[Danno]

Do you mean what is best for coral? I’m not sure that coral prefers anything. It is your live rock that is important for that. Personally from what I have researched I would just stick to stuff like agra—alive. It’s the basic live sand that is an all around good sand. “Regular Sand†I’m guessing that you meant as “Pool Sand†or “Play Sand†is not good for marine tanks. You need sand that can buffer the pH to a suitable level.

 

[callell]

I would recommend getting the Phos kit

Definatly required IMO