do i need both saltwater and reef api test kits?

[Fishyname]

i have fish coral and inverts do i need both of these test kits? the lfs said i dont need them for me to just bring my water in. but im the type to like to know everything is thats happening with out a trip to the lfs.


doing my first water change tomarrow after work
any advice would be appreciated

 

[Schism]

i have fish coral and inverts do i need both of these test kits? the lfs said i dont need them for me to just bring my water in. but im the type to like to know everything is thats happening with out a trip to the lfs.

doing my first water change tomarrow after work
any advice would be appreciated

Yes. You have a reef tank, you need to be able to determine temp, salinity, ph, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.

Note: magnesium is not included in either kit.

As far as first water change.

1) mix the salt to proper salinity in a bucket or other large "food grade" container.
2) heat to same temp as tank
3) use a pump or powerhead to mix the salt overnight for it to fully dissolve and stabilize.
4) remove X amount of gallons, siphoning out any and all detritus.
5) ensure temp and salinity are correct in newly mixed water and pour slowly into tank or use utility pump like a maxijet.

Also be sure to use a quality salt mix for consistency and proper dissolving of salt.

 

[Fishyname]

Thanks do I still need to mix and sit the saltwater over night if I get it from the lfs?

 

[Schism]

No but i suggest not buying premixed water from your fish store. You dont know whats in it and most LFS's mixe their saltwater at a low salinity to save money on salt. Mixing your own will ensure its perfect and suited to your needs.

 

[Fishyname]

Awesome thanks do you know of the best salt brand out there?

 

[Schism]

Awesome thanks do you know of the best salt brand out there?

There is not really a best brand however many like Tropic-Marin however it is pretty pricey. Most widely used with great results probably Reef Crystals or regular Instant Ocean.

 

[Fishyname]

Awesome thanks again for all the help bro

 

[Schism]

Awesome thanks again for all the help bro

Yep no problem

 

[Fishyname]

One more question i have the api kits and salinity tester coming from amazon ( Just the cheap plastic one) what is the ideal perfect salinity?

 

[Schism]

One more question i have the api kits and salinity tester coming from amazon ( Just the cheap plastic one) what is the ideal perfect salinity?

Well natural sea water is approx 1.026 or 35ppt. Also be sure to have your LFS double check your salinity, those hydrometers can be very inaccurate.

 

[Fishyname]

Okay I changed my water yesterday but was unable to get all poop and what not out of the sand would it hurt if I changed another five gallons today. By the my salinity was low would this help that to?