Reef Discussion

Cycling A New Tank - How Often To Test?
My first go at a temperate reef tank hit a fatally high ammonia spike and I have had to start again <sniffle>. The fish were growing so well, too. So I have a new sand bed, washed and mostly de-slimed rocks, a brand-new DIY sump and protein skimmer, and likewise new testing kits.

The tank now has about 3ppm ammonia and no nitrate, so it's ready to start the cycle (nitrite test kit arriving soon). Tomorrow I'll catch a couple of tiny blennies. My question is, how often do I need to test ammonia etc? Is every 3-4 days enough? All I've read says test, but not how often, dammit!

Any advice appreciated.

PS -- I thought I had turned the ammonia high around, all looked good, then the aeration died overnight. And so, sadly, did the fish. :-(