ammonia, nitrite and nitrate tests are important ones for cycling a tank. The importance of pH, dH & kH (hardness) depends on the fish you keep and whether you buffer the water (because of the fish you keep). You could prob. get away with having the LFS test your water a few times and if you water changes are consistent, pH and hardness may stay steady. Hardness and pH should suit the fish you keep and be kept steady. pH test are cheap and easy and included in most multi-test kits, so you might as get one, but you don't need ot micromanage pH esp. during cycling. Do not let the LFS sell you pH up and pH down. Do not buy "Cycle'. Stablity and Bio-spira are the only cycling products that work. A water conditioner like Prime or Amquel+ that 'detoxifies' ammonia and nitrite without removing it from the water will help your fish survive cycling, Or try fishless cycling, it means going without fish a few more weeks, but you won't kill any during cycling.
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