Calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium form the core trio reef keepers track for coral skeletal growth, while phosphate and nitrate are the two nutrients most responsible for nuisance algae - Salifert's Profi-Test line covers all five in dedicated, precise kits.
Why Test Each Parameter Individually
A dedicated single-parameter test kit is generally more precise than an all-in-one combo kit, since the chemistry and titration process can be optimized for that specific parameter rather than compromising across several.
Choosing Your Tests
- Calcium Profi-Test Kit - a core building block for calcareous algae, hard coral skeletons, and the skeletal needles of soft and leather corals.
- KH/Alkalinity Profi-Test Kit - measures the carbonate and bicarbonate that corals and calcareous algae need to build skeletal material.
- Magnesium Profi-Test Kit - magnesium runs high in natural seawater and does double duty, essential to chlorophyll for photosynthesis while keeping calcium and alkalinity from precipitating out of solution.
- Phosphate Profi-Test Kit - elevated phosphate drives unwanted algae growth and slows coral and calcareous algae growth even at levels above roughly 0.05 mg/L.
- Nitrate Profi-Test Kit - nitrate builds up when a tank lacks enough anaerobic zones or denitrification is incomplete, and high levels encourage unwanted algae.
Testing Tips
- Test calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium together when troubleshooting reef chemistry, since the three interact with each other.
- Track trends over time rather than reacting to a single reading.
- Test phosphate and nitrate together when investigating algae issues, since either (or both) can be the driver.
Salifert Profi-Test Kits are available at Marine Concept Supply across all parameters - order online or pick up at our shop in Wheeling, IL. Shop Calcium, KH/Alkalinity, Magnesium, Phosphate, or Nitrate, and browse more aquarium testing.
