When do you test your water?

[Saltyfish]

So the question that came to my mind tonight was when does everyone test their water? Maybe I should also include when is the best time to test water? Does the time of day or night matter and why?

 

[returnofsid]

The only test that's really effected by the time of day, would be pH. pH will be higher mid-day, than it will be at night. During daytime, algae consumes Co2 and puts off o2. At night, algae consumes o2. Because of this, oxygen levels, in the water, drop at night, so pH also drops. It wouldn't be a bad idea to test your pH at night, AND at mid-day. This way, you'd know what your total pH swing is. You can then decide if you need to compensate, by leaving your fuge lights on, at night, on a reverse light cycle as your display tank.

As for everything else, I don't know if it's the best way to do it, but I tend to like to test mid water changes. So, if I do water changes on Sunday, I'll test and dose on Wednesday. I used to be of the mind that I tested right before water changes. Then I realized that wasn't a very good idea, because my results would change, as soon as I did a water change, since the fresh saltwater would be replacing elements that had been depleted.

 

[CarlaW]

I always test first thing Saturday mornings, weekly, actually right before my water change. Don't know if that is the right thing, but it has worked for me for 4-5 years.
As far as Ph swings go, that is why it is nice to have a monitor instead of trusting those worthless Ph test kits. JMHO
My current Aquarium log goes all the way back to when I redid the system back in January of 2008, check it out.

 

[roscoe]

Testing? Oh that I do maybe once every 3 months or longer now. All my test are visual. My corals will tell me when something is wrong then I will pull out the test kits. If everything looks good I don't test at all. I tend to mess with the tank more if the numbers are not "ideal" to where it should be. So for me it isn't in the best interest of the LS to test:lol::lol:.

 

[jill]

I'm new but I test my water after the water change, then I know what I should be dosing for.
I do spot checks for nitrates if I am concerned.

Thanks for explaining why the pH is lower in the morning returnofsid. I always wondered about that.

I agree with Charlie about the pH monitors - I wouldn't go back to manual tests - API always says that my pH is 8.4 but the monitor tells a me when it is actually 7.8 or so; that makes me feel more secure.

 

[CarlaW]

Don't forget to calibrate that Ph probe once a month, it adds to your comfort.

 

[jill]

Don't forget to calibrate that Ph probe once a month, it adds to your comfort.

Amen brother.
I like to be comfortable.

 

[Myteemouse]

I'm with Sarang
I test like once a month if that
I find I "FREAK OUT" everytime I test and start monkeying with the tank too much..
I like the "CORALS WILL TELL YOU" testing!
Except for my PH monitor.

 

[Saltyfish]

I was just wondering because I am having a hard time getting my mag up, it started moving today it just taking a lot and I was worried I was going to ver dose.

I found a cal on the manufactures website so it looks like I am doing it right.

I was at 1280 and I added 16 oz over two days. Checked the next day and I was down to 1200 I tested again and still got 1200

Added 32 OZ over two days and got back up to 1280.

Cal on manufactures website said I need to add 69 to 70 oz to get it up to 1350.

Everything else is normal CA a little high but I am sure once I get the mag in order the corals will use the CA properly.

Thanks for the replies

 

[CarlaW]

What is your alkalinity at? It is important to balance that also.

 

[alki]

I'm with Sarang
I test like once a month if that
I find I "FREAK OUT" everytime I test and start monkeying with the tank too much..
I like the "CORALS WILL TELL YOU" testing!
Except for my PH monitor.

Same here. If my tank looks good I will test even less than that. If my tank/coral start looking bad I test more to get it right. But I am a lazy reefer.

 

[roscoe]

But I am a lazy reefer.

I here you on this

 

[Myteemouse]

I here you on this

I second that!
I let "nature" take it's course.

 

[roscoe]

I second that!
I let "nature" take it's course.

Adam you are a f-----g hoot my friend!!

 

[Reef Setup]

Id say im the laziest reefer i never test ....if you look at my tank bottom its jammed pack! The way i resolve testing is weekly water changes! I believe everyone has there way of how there tank runs and if everything is kosher thats all that matters! I do admit when i first setup my tank present i tested like crazy to make sure everything gets dialed in, then i became lazy i watch things grow to the point i got tired of glueing things so alot things are on the bottom! LOL thats lazy...

 

[roscoe]

Id say im the laziest reefer. I never test LOL thats lazy...

LMAO I wonder why you are so lazy LOL.

 

[Reef Setup]

work man....right now im temporary working at home with art projects!

 

[Myteemouse]

Adam you are a f-----g hoot my friend!!

I don't know what your talking about LOL

 

[Myteemouse]

work man....right now im temporary working at home with art projects!

Right now I'm working on a good drunk!

 

[Reef Setup]

I don't know what your talking about LOL

Me neither :badgrin: whats a Hoot?