Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate Testing

[Boulder]

So I understand that as I start the cycling process, I will test daily for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. I realize that ammonia will spike and recede to zero, nitrite will do the same and then nitrate will climb and I will do a PWC prior to adding fish.

But once I am through the cycle, I will then primarily test more for nitrate than anything else since nitrate will be my clue when a PWC is necessary?

 

[neilanh]

you'll want to keep an eye on your ammonia and nitrIte occassionally, just to make sure everything's kosher in your tank.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

In addition to what neilanh said, you'll want to get in a habit of doing water changes on a regular basis - regardless of what your testing says. Coral and coralline algae will take elements out of the water that need to be regularly replaced. That's where the PWCs come in.

 

[Boulder]

Got it - I'm thinking I will do a 15% PWC every other Saturday morning.

 

[hacket]

I've always had qualms about going more than a week without changing water. 20-25% every weekend is perfect in my opinion.

 

[mtlion]

I change 10% every 2 weeks and have not had a problem.

 

[HN1]

We do our's in our reef every 10-14 days of around 10 - 20%.

I've always had qualms about going more than a week without changing water. 20-25% every weekend is perfect in my opinion.

FW (which I think is what I've seen you keeping) is a bit different. I'll do up to 60% changes weekly in our FW tanks.

Just thought I'd clarify it a bit.