How often do you test?

Reef Pilot · #1 05-04-2015, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarDog

At what point (my tank is almost 4 months old) does testing for No2 become a waste of time, if ever? Can the same be asked of ammonia?

Once your tank has cycled and you have N03, nitrites and ammonia should stay at or near zero, so no need to test further. Unless you have something bad happen, like a tank crash,... but then you will have more to worry about than just testing.

WarDog · #2 05-04-2015, 07:32 PM

I am currently knocking on wood. Thanks.

Aquattro · #3 05-04-2015, 07:40 PM

I test Ca and Alk once or twice a month. NO3 and PO4 weekly for now, until I get nutrients back in check. NH3 and NO2, never. Those are just for start up. After, if you have NH3, you know it

Trigger Man · #4 05-04-2015, 08:02 PM

what is this testing you guys speak of? Water changes for me, and later on when I get more SPS then I'll be testing Cal, KH until everything is dialed in.

MKLKT · #5 05-04-2015, 08:15 PM

I test every 2-3 months... maybe.

gobytron · #6 05-04-2015, 08:33 PM

for me, after 15 years of reefing or so, no sps = no testing.

Testing helps, but it's not necessary for a successful reef.

Weekly, regular water changes really eliminates the need for it.

H2o2 · #7 05-04-2015, 09:24 PM

I test when ever I get home to see if the doser needs to be tweaked as it is before water changes

Madreefer · #8 05-05-2015, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gobytron

for me, after 15 years of reefing or so, no sps = no testing.

Testing helps, but it's not necessary for a successful reef.

Weekly, regular water changes really eliminates the need for it.

I am in the hobby same amount of time as this guy and I strongly agree with everything he just posted. But I have lots of SPS
I test never.
Last time I tested was a few years ago.