Week 34: BEST reef tank parameters and our favorite test kits | 52 Weeks of Reefing

Today on BRStv follow along during Week 34 of 52 Weeks of Reefing as we dig into one of a Reefer's most useful tools; test kits!
#BRS160

This week we are going to talk about what to test for, frequency, and the kit or method we like best for each. I think there are more or less three groups of testing:

Critical to life-support:
-Salinity
-Temperature
-Calcium
-Alkalinity
-pH

Important but requires infrequent testing:
-Nitrate
-Phosphate
-Magnesium
-Chlorine
-Chloramines
-Ammonia

Nice to know:
-Iodine
-Strontium
-Potassium
-Iron
and more!

This week's poll we are asking you how often you think reefers should test their calcium and alkalinity.

To vote in the Poll, select the "i" in the top right of the video screen to display the voting panel.

*Legal Stuff*
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[muffemod]

Reefkeeping is still it's infancy. I can't wait for the day when test kits were a thing of the past and everything is continuously monitored real time.

[PyroEskimo]

I was reviewing this trying to find what test kits I want to purchase, also to see what you all recommend for testing frequency. I found that I was bouncing around a lot trying to re-watch pieces and took some time to find just what I needed.

It'd be helpful if you linked time-stamps into the description area so it is easier to navigate.

Critical to life-support:
Alkalinity: 0:44
Calcium: 7:34
Temperature: 10:02
Salinity: 11:10
pH: 13:49

Important but requires infrequent testing:
Nitrate: 15:16
Phosphate: 17:16
Magnesium: 19:53
Chlorine: 21:49
Ammonia: 23:57

[rhondadunn]

This is the best video about testing and test kits I’ve ever seen! Thank you BRS!

[jeremyb]

God that guy is a f**king genus. I emailed Randy on BRS and gave him a long detailed letter of how you guys kicks a**!. He emailed me back and said thanks. I told him that EVERYONE there should get a raise and for god sakes give Conner and I believe its Meredith a day off! She always answers the phone on the hotline lol. Yeah...god you guys are awesome. You guys rule, run Marine Depot into the Fn ground MAN! YEAH BRS!!!

[matthewjames]

Dude.. I have studied this stuff for two hours a day, for 2 years and I learn something totally new everytime I watch one of your videos. You are a beast man

[Emmanuel-rseu]

Great instructional video! I use mostly Hanna for Alk and Phosphorus tests. And Salifert for all the rest.

[peytonnorman]

The 52 weeks of reefing videos came along right when I was starting my tank. You guys are life savers!

[detecthistory]

Definitely love seeing these weekly. "Hi, this is Ryan". You guys have great videos.

[Kanetoad]

Best video yet. Thanks to this I now know I've been neglecting my ALK and didn't realise just how important it was. Only been keeping marine a few months. Thanks again Guys.

[jeffl]

This series gives me something to look forward to on Fridays since I work weekends. lol.

[AcuaTV]

I like the Red Sea test kits, makes it so much easier to keep everything in one place and like you said, it is waterproof! Great video guys.

[gregoryrunningelk]

Hi BRS, in California we have deference types of test kits and most start at fifty dollars. Which is why I buy all of my products else were, and Thank you for the great videos, keep learning! Peace!

[AA-Ashley]

Auto thumbs up for best channel on YouTube! This is the video I was waiting for!

[ldballoon]

I use these because they are quick, readable, repeatable and affordable:

Salifert for ALK & Mg
Red sea for Calcium
I use Nyos for P04 and N03
For salinity, I use monthly calibrated Sybon refractometer with a back up of the Milwaukee digital refractometer.
Nitrite and ammonia API test kits ( dirt cheap and accurate)
Seachem for iron
ph and temp are read by APEX

I do not measure for iodine, potassium, or strontium- been there, done that.

[FishOfHex]

I totally agree with testing alkalinity more when starting the tank and after some time moving to just once a month. I have been uaing the alk Hanna checker for a while now but before that i loved Redsea hands down.

[brianpatel]

one of the most informative episodes yet!

[pauljackson]

Excellent video. keep in coming, more to learn I'm sure for all of us.

[SSns]

Thanks for the videos series.. I have kept saltwater fish but never thought i knew enough for reef.. Well, im learning and it wont be long...

[oceanslide]

Just ordered a red sea kit! Thanks guys

[beej]

I like to use my tests in a bright window. My neighbors think I'm crazy and am doing weird experiments but the natural bright light makes it very easy for me