Seachem ReefStatus Test Kits?

[nanoreef]

I am starting a new 12 gallon nano reef tank with no fish. I am wondering a few things before I purchase all my Seachem products. I own the Seachem Marine Basic Test kit and the Seachem Reef Special Test kit. I am not an expert but my question is do I need the Seachem ReefStatus Calcium, Seachem ReefStatus Strontium, and Seachem ReefStatus Magnesium test kits? And what is the advantage of owning these test kits? Would you say I should get them or is it something i dont need and could just purchase later? I have read your articles and Seagrams and they didn't answer my question or provide me with enough input. Do you think I am fine with what i currently have or should I purchase the additional test kits. I am useing all Seachem Products such as filtration, conditioners and additives if you need any more information to know me or my question any further please ask.
Brian

[Tech Support GL]

Most hobbyist like to periodically check their water. Most check routinely the pH, calcium, magnesium, and the alkalinity. Making sure the numbers are in the ranges for a reef tank ensures ionic balance and helps maintain a healthy consistent environment.
The test kits come with a reference to continually check the reagents, the test kits yield multiple tests, and have very good accuracy. The Reef Status Calcium test and the Reef Status Magnesium test kit will work very well for you. the Magnesium test kit has an additional alkalinity portion to it to test the borate and total alkalinity. We also have a Marine pH and Alkalinity Test kit that offers 75 test, a reference test as well, and does pH and alkalinity.

[Jimbo205]

If your budget allows, get them all now.

If your budget does not, wait until you feel it is absolutely necessary. Or wait until you have the extra funds to purchase.

With a reef tank, even a nano - rush nothing.

Take time planning it out.

Online information is fine. I also highly recommend a subscription to one or two magazines or 2-3 books on Nano Reef tanks.

The magazines may have photographs that show you what you are looking for (that you may not find in all books) in addition to having articles by authors of some good books.

For the amount that you end up investing in your tank, the price of a subcription is well worth it.

When you have time, let us know what your favorite website is for Nano Reef Tanks.

I like Seachem because it is reliable, predictable and their support and service has earned my personal loyalty.

That is my opinion. I hope it helps.

Jimbo205

[nanoreef]

Thank you for that input. So would you say though that I should get the ReefStatus test kits? Are they really going to be that much of a help or advantage to me? I am just wondering if they are really necessary and if I need them to have a successful nano tank. Thank you for your input so far and helping me out. Im putting this tank together very slowlly and I trying to do this one right, before I put it all together. I would have to say for information my favorite web sites are Seachem and Foster and Smiths website they give alot of information and get to the point of thing.
Brian

[Tech Support GL]

To maintain a successful reef tank checking your levels really helps. They are advantageous when adding to correct supplement and avoiding precipitation. For a person just starting it teaches you to look at your tank, know what, when and, how to add supplements. If it were me I would test the water of my tank that I invest my time and money in and we do here at Seachem all of the time.

[Jimbo205]

"So would you say though that I should get the ReefStatus test kits? Are they really going to be that much of a help or advantage to me?"

Yes.

The price of the most expensive test kit is at least half the price of JUST ONE coral or is EQUAL to just the cost of shipping for one or ANY corals.

Remember to write down results in any logbook that you can, that is extremely helpful when you are gaining experience and need further advice on your tank. It gives you an idea of where your tank was at, and what happens when you goof or when adding a supplement does to the water what you want it to.

And I have heard of no other company that supports hobbyists or their products the way that Seachem does.

If you have a question or problem, they will back you up.

Beat that.

Yes. Get the test kit.

Jimbo205

[Tech Support GL]

Thanks for the post Jimbo.