I Need Some Help With Water Chemistry

[GeoffLondon]

Hi guys,

I've just re-stocked my aqaurium with a new load of plants and really want to get it right this time so that the plants thrive. I've got a 5in1 test strip, the results follows:

pH: 8
KH: About 6
GH: >16
NO3: 10
NO2: 0

Now...I'm really confused by these results. I guess for more plant growth I need a higher NO3? Am i right, and how do I get this? My tank is 61L x 31W x 39D with a WGP of 1.2. I think I should mention that I do have some BGA which I've just done a blackout for and managed to kill off quite a bit of it...some's still there but I'm slightly dubious about doing another blackout so soon due to the plants only just being introduced. I think I should also state that there's only 1fish (rummy nosed tetra) in the tank at the moment. I want to get the chemistry and planting right before I start adding fish.

Can anyone suggest hints to help the plants take off?

 

[Jen]

Ok. To start off... the paper strips are known to be very inaccurate. So you might want to invest in a bunch of the liquid tests. Going from your results, you're right. Your nitrates are a bit low. We normally try to aim for 20... if you have a high tech tank. With 1.2 wpg, and from the looks of it, you might be ok with only 10ppm of nitrate. Have you read the articles at the top of this section on EI and Lighting? You might find them helpful.

Also, by adding more fish you will increase the amount of no3, as their poo and any uneaten food will help to contribute to this. Your water is near perfect for adding fish. Knowing the ammonia level is important for adding fish. Other than that, I would say you can add fish.

I know what you mean about wanting to get the plants right... but if you wait for that, you might never get fish in there!

 

[GeoffLondon]

Thanks Jen,

I'll invest in some liquid tests this weekend! Perhaps some fish too

 

[Bloo]

Thanks Jen,

I'll invest in some liquid tests this weekend! Perhaps some fish too

Who's your water supplier ? I'd be very surprised if your kH really is only 6. Mine (by Thames Water) is a rock solid 11. My Nitrates are usually a lot higher than that too....

If you do get a test kit, I can recommend API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) - you can either get it online, or I believe Pets at Home stock it too. I haven't really seen it stocked on the shelf by most lfs - they tend to stock Tetra etc. (which is a whole lot more expensive).

Ps: when you test your tap water, let it stand for 24 hours before doing so (to get a true reading).