Water test
Analysis kit to measure the chemical and physical parameters of water. They are the eyes of the aquarist: without tests you are sailing blind.
Detailed explanation
Testing the water regularly is the basis of good management. Parameters change over time and without monitoring problems cannot be prevented.
Drop tests (colorimetric) are the most widespread. You add reagents to a water sample and compare the colour to a scale. The most reliable brands are Salifert (excellent for marine aquariums), Hanna (digital tests), JBL and Sera (good for freshwater aquariums).
Strip tests are cheap and fast but inaccurate. They are good for a quick check but not for making important decisions.
Hanna digital tests (checkers) use a photometer to measure the colour of the sample and give precise numerical results. There are checkers for phosphate, calcium, alkalinity, nitrates and other parameters. They cost more but eliminate the subjective interpretation of colour.
ICP-OES analysis is the gold standard. You send a water sample to a laboratory that analyzes it with mass spectrometry. Measure dozens of parameters simultaneously with very high precision. It costs 30-50 euros per sample but gives a complete picture of the composition of the water. For the reef we recommend at least every 2-3 months.
The frequency of testing depends on the stage of the aquarium. Maturing: every 2-3 days. Regularly in freshwater aquariums: weekly. Fully operational in marine aquariums: weekly for KH and calcium, fortnightly for the others.
Reagents expire. An old reagent gives incorrect results. Check the expiration date and store the kits in the dark and at room temperature.
Always write down your results in a diary or in an app like Coralia Lab. Trends over time are more informative than individual values.
Coralia Lab monitors this parameter with AI diagnostics. Tank Score alerts you when a value moves outside the recommended range for your aquarium.
Try Log tests to Coralia Lab for free