Thoughts on over skimming

[mr.wilson]

Originally Posted by Coleus

this is a noob question. How do you measure the level of nutrient in your tank? How do you know if it is high or low?

By nutrients we mean nitrate and phosphate specifically. In the case of phosphates, we can only measure inorganic (dissolved) phosphate. Standard test kits are not very accurate in the low range. I would use Lamotte, Hach, or D & D Merck. SeaChem and Salifert are two of the better hobby-grade (cheaper) kits on the market.