Parameters

[Jaws]

Hey guys. I'm almost ready to set my tank up and I suppose I should get the appropriate devices ready to measure the parameters of the tank. If anyone has any reccommendations, it would be greatly appreciated. I noticed J & L has a sale on PH pinpoint monitors right now so if this is something i'm going to need, I figured now would be a good time. My tank is a 180G and I plan on growing lots of sps. Thanks.

[IslandReefer]

Hey Gary,
Not that I can speak for anyone else, but here's what I monitor:
Salinity-refractometer
Temp-pin point wireless thermometer-cool but expensive...Radio Shack sells a dual digital display for about $25 (Steve uses one)
RO/DI water - TDS pen- anti algea check!
water chemistry: Salifert test kits for dKH, Ca used apx. weekly.
pinpoint pH meter: takes a long time to stablize(-I might try one of the pens next time)
Also when trouble shooting or cycling I have also used Salifert test kits for NO3,NO2,NH4,Mg.
Monitors for pH,ORP etc. are useful or needed for use with a Ca reactor or eg. an ozone generator etc.
IMHO
Hope this helps

[Jaws]

Thanks John. Are any of these tools all in one devices or do you have to buys seperate devices for each function? Do you have any examples of any of these tools like where I can find them? My name's Jason by the way, not Gary. No worries.

[Skimmerking]

Think about it this is why the hobby is so expensive ,you have to buy everything to moniter. Think if you bought one device to check everything the stores or companies would loose a small forture.


mike

but yes you will have to buy the lot of tem
ph montier excellant piece of kit
i have a refractometer awesome
CA testers
ALK testers
etc etc etc

[Jaws]

Can you find a lot of these things used? Is it worth them buying used?

[IslandReefer]

Because accurate testing is so important, I would buy NEW, for what you can't do without (esp Ca,dKH,salinity and pH) the rest I can or someone can lend you a test kit or meter for (eg. Mg or Cu, TDS pen) if when you need it and don't think you will use it more than once or twice.
IMHO buying used for the first 4 parameters is like buying a used parachute (like new never been opened)or a SCUBA regulator....some do..... BUT!....how attached are you to your reef critters??

[bulletsworld]

For sure go with new. If you are on a budget you can always get a test complete kit case of everything you need and slowly work your way up to digital equipment as you go.

For example you can get the Hagen Complete case of test kits aprox $70 (PJ's Pets) Its got your main PH, Calcium, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, ect. You can always upgrade to digital PH monitors & other devices.

Salinity- there is cheap Hydrometers $15 But you will find not very accurate & best to get a refractometer $125 (J&L) Which very accurate & best long term.

Temp thermometers- way better then the float or stick to the glass ones. Digitals with the prob that goes in the tank range from $15-$30 depending on the display & features.

Hope that gives more idea's. But I wish there was a device out there that could just do it all.

[Jaws]

Thanks guys. So if I understand you correctly, i'm going to need the following:

Refractometer ($150)
Ph Monitor ($115)
Wireless Thermometer ($40)

Reef Profi-Test Package ($110) ??? Will this cover the remaining tests?

Will this pretty much cover everything? Is there anything i'm missing?

These prices are from JL's website. Is there a better place to find any of these? Could I ask any more questions? LOL

[Quinn]

Check out Saltwater Connections as well, Jayson regularly seems to have deals on testing gear.

[dbdavid]

Aquaria.ca has refractomerters for $65.00. I bought one and it works fantastic. When I got it I tested my salinity and it was at 1.032 I went to the LFS and it matched their refractomer readings as well.
It's all good now! I would never recommend the plastic float type testers.

They also have a PH pen for$70.00. I didn't buy that so I cannot comment on it.

Dave