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Shayne 
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Joined: May 13 2010
Location: SaratogaSprings
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 Topic: Test Kits for a New Tank
Posted: March 26 2012 at 12:17pm |
I'm almost ready to start adding livestock to my tank but I need to get some test kits to test my water before I do that. I was on Marine Depot looking at prices, and to be honest, the sticker shock has kind of gotten to me. I really don't want to dump $100 on test kits right now. Could someone tell me which test kits I absolutely need right now and which ones I can hold off on? Also, which brand should a cost conscious newbie look at?
Edited by Shayne - March 26 2012 at 12:18pm
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21G Reefer Nano
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Ryan Thompson
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Joined: April 11 2006
Location: Lehi
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Posted: March 26 2012 at 1:22pm |
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I would get the red sea test kit that has alkalinity, calcium and magnesium. If you go slow, you shouldn't have to worry about nitrates or ammonia.
Salifert is also a great brand of test kits.
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WhiteReef
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Joined: September 03 2002
Location: Magna, UT
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Posted: March 26 2012 at 2:57pm |
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I agree with Ryan. The other thing as far as nitrite, nitrates and ammonia,most of the local fish stores will test these for free. I only test mine when things look bad and I am tracking things down.
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Richard
Former 47G Column Reef, Magna
20" x 18" x 31"H
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Shayne
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Joined: May 13 2010
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Posted: March 26 2012 at 10:48pm |
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Thanks guys!
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21G Reefer Nano
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BobC63
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Location: Lehi, UT
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Posted: March 28 2012 at 10:10am |
Shayne -
I live in west Lehi down near the Jordan River - so pretty close to you in SS
I'd be happy to test your water for you
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- My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) -
* Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 *
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Shayne
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Posted: March 28 2012 at 11:46am |
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Thanks Bob! I may just take you up on that. I used to have a house in that area. I was just east of the old metal bridge in Parkside Estates (I think that's what the area is called).
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21G Reefer Nano
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BobC63
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Posted: March 28 2012 at 11:55am |
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I'm right in Jordan Willows
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- My Current Tank: 65g Starfire (sitting empty for 2+ years) -
* Marine & Reef tanks since 1977 *
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Shayne
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Posted: March 28 2012 at 12:13pm |
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Ah! I know exactly where you are. You're about 5 minutes from me. I'm in Harvest Hills.
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21G Reefer Nano
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Mark Peterson
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Joined: June 19 2002
Location: Murray
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Posted: March 30 2012 at 11:40am |
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Please show us a pic of the tank.
There is likely no need to test anything for many months, especially if you set up the tank with some of the four living components as described in the Reefkeeping Tips below and do 10% monthly water changes.
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Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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