Just A Question !

[R1ch13]

Done a test today just out of bordom and the results are

No3 = 100 ( the pink looks really similar to that of the pink at 100)

No2 = 0

GH = 6

KH = 0

pH = 6.4

Could someone remind me on what KH is ?

And could you also tell me if you think this tank needs some changes ie pH up etc ?

Thanks a bunch

Richie

 

[Liam]

The nitrate is high, but the tests can be very inaccurate, if you are doing regular water changes in a not overstocked tank it is probably okay. The KH is the carbonate hardness, calcium carbonate. Its not necessarily a problem having a reading of zero it depends on what fish you have. Is the reading the same out of your tap, if there is some in your source water then you may need to do more water changing to keep the ph stable. KH keeps ph stable, the accumulation of organic matter in a tank can push the ph down and if there is no KH it can crash and become very acidic too fast for the fish. If your tank has been running for more than a few months with regular water changes and everything is fine with the fish then there isn’t anything to worry about. If you were keeping harder water fish then you would need to be adding some kh to your water.

 

[R1ch13]

The nitrate is high, but the tests can be very inaccurate, if you are doing regular water changes in a not overstocked tank it is probably okay. The KH is the carbonate hardness, calcium carbonate. Its not necessarily a problem having a reading of zero it depends on what fish you have. Is the reading the same out of your tap, if there is some in your source water then you may need to do more water changing to keep the ph stable. KH keeps ph stable, the accumulation of organic matter in a tank can push the ph down and if there is no KH it can crash and become very acidic too fast for the fish. If your tank has been running for more than a few months with regular water changes and everything is fine with the fish then there isn’t anything to worry about. If you were keeping harder water fish then you would need to be adding some kh to your water.

Well everythings been ok !

Since i set up at the begining of this year !

All my tests have read the same everytime i have done it !

And i was just wondering that is all lol !

Im using that Tetra Test thing !

You know the little strip things

Thanks alot

Richie

 

[R1ch13]

I just checked my tap water and it is

No3 = 0

No2 = 0

GH = 3

KH = 0

pH less then 6.4

Now that you see that .....

Do you think there is any problems with my tank ?

Thanks

Richie

 

[archamfr]

i dont think so... maybe do a 25% water change, in 2 days do same.. leave a day or 2 and take another reading, hopefully the No3 will have gone down, other than that, id say its fine

 

[Liam]

It’s hard to get an accurate test for nitrate, even the more expensive drop ones can be out, and test strips probably won’t give you even a rough estimate. You probably have some KH but too little for the test to pick up, a few extra water changes won’t do any harm anyway in case the nitrate is really high. Fish health is the best indicator of good water and it seems like yours is fine.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yeah get a new test kit, firstly strip tests are really unreliable, secondly all test kits need replacing every 6 months or so, so if it's out of date it could well be giving you false readings.

i'd go get a new test kit, liquid one's are best (i use the API Fresh Water Master Test Kit) and get some readings with that before you take any action.