Tank testing

[Henry]

Just a quick question
Other than the daily inspection of the tank and pumps, how often do ya'll check the parameters on your tank?

Henry

[Instar]

I check calcium and magnesium, temperature swings, once a week on a reef that is nearing the 1 year mark. Specific gravity at least every two weeks. Until you get the feel for each tank, you should check more things at least weekly. On new tanks, you will want to actually be able to see the entire cycle set. Older tanks that you have the feel and dosiing figured for, maybe not often at all. The real issue on older tanks is water changes to keep levels of toxic chemicals down that build up over the first two years and to make sure the buffers are intact and balanced.