Rob,

I'd love to hear a segment on water parameters. I've picked up a lot in bits & pieces but I'm sure there are some gaps in my knowledge. 8-O

Oh yeah, my favorite tip is to clean your glass with newspaper instead of rags or paper towels. My dad taught me this years ago. The newsprint makes the glass extra shiny.

newspaper and vinager makes next to zero streaks

also good to bury that newspaper in the hole a cat makes in your garden when they go potty! stops them from digging holes everywhere

and even better, add a bit more vinagar and mush it into a ball and throw it onto the the most disliked persons roof in the street!!!!!!!!! ha that just happen to be the person that owns that damn cat.! lol

newspaper and vinager makes next to zero streaks
True that! :) Vinegar is better if the glass is really dirty, like with grubby hand prints. IME plain water works just as well if you are doing regular cleaning.

yes, this is a great tip.. i have actually used this many times, i should mention that on a tip of the week.. thanks

now regarding your water parameters..
help me out here.. i know i have touched on a few items, but what are you looking for, i will try and put something together

Sorry Rob, I don't know how I missed replying to this. But better late than never. :)

I guess that my idea would be to try to start out with the basics, SpG, NH4, NO2, NO3, temp, pH, PO4. This is helpful to the beginner and to folks like me who find that conventional wisdom has changed when they re-enter the hobby after years away from it. I know that some of it is covered in the nitrogen cycle podcasts too. Then build up to the other parameters that a more advanced aquarist might test for like alk, Ca, Mg and then Fe, B, K, etc. When and why would you test for each. Should you dose with out testing? You could mention Wildeones bit about reading tests under the proper color of light. If you use a hydrometer to rinse it after every use with RO/DI. I could put together some more thoughts if you need, just let me know.

good ideas.. thanks, i will see what i can get together