Tests
Water Tests
| Test | Frequency | Recommended Method |
|---|---|---|
| pH | Weekly | Colorimeter (API) or Digital pH Meter |
| NH3/NH4 | During Ripening and Emergencies | Colorimetric (API, Salifert) |
| NO2 | Maturing | Colorimetric |
| NO3 | Monthly | Colorimetric or drop test (Salifert) |
| KH | Monthly (maritime: weekly) | Brand (Salifert, Hanna) |
| GH | Monthly | Degree |
| Ca | Marino: weekly | Brand (Salifert, Hanna) |
| Mg | Marino: monthly | Degree |
| PO4 | Marine: weekly; sweet: monthly | Colorimetric (the Hanna Colorimeter is the most accurate) |
| Salinity | Marino: daily | Refractometer |
| Temperature | Diary | Digital Thermometer |
Recommended Test Kits
Basic Freshwater: API Freshwater Master Test Kit (NH3, NO2, NO3, pH) Complete marine test kit: Salifert (separate test for each parameter, very accurate) or Red Sea Reef Foundation Pro Test Kit
Instrument Calibration
- Refractometers: Calibrate using RODI water (pure water should read 1.000)
- pH meters: Calibrate using buffer solutions at pH 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0
- O2 probes: Calibrate in saturated water at a known temperature