testing saltwater.. help!

[lucy10203]

im kinda a newbie to this whole saltwater marine fish and i was wondering what do i need to test the tank/water for? i know i need to check the salt water with the hydrometer for the salt levels, and the ph levels. but do i need to check anything else or any kind of other levels??

 

[dorkfish]

Ammonia: toxic to all fish and inverts.

Nitrite, Again, toxic to all fish and inverts, however salt does reduce it's effect.

Nitrate: If in a high enough conentration, it can be toxic and/or harmfull, however anything under 20 shouldn't/won't do any damage.

And probably calcium and alkalinity as well, becuase they are linked in with PH and are needed by inverts.

 

[lucy10203]

with what and how do i test these things?

 

[dorkfish]

with what and how do i test these things?

With the appropriate test kits. Your fish or pet store should be able to direct you to there selection of test kits, from there, you just want to make sure you get liquid tests (not the innacurate strips) and ones made for saltwater and/or freshwater and saltwater.

 

[mysis]

If you did a search on google you would get all your answers.