Water Stats Check (what Should They Be? )

[judith]

hi there was just wondering if my water stats are ok not intirely sure what
they should be they are:

nitrate 10
nitrite 0
gh 8
kh 3
ph 7.2
my tank is a jewel 190 lt corner tank, i would be very grateful if any one could advise. thanks

 

[shelaghfishface]

you missed the ammonia test results, but looking good so far, i cant explain them as i barely undertand them myself lol, but im sure someone will

 

[judith]

you missed the ammonia test results, but looking good so far, i cant explain them as i barely undertand them myself lol, but im sure someone will

hi there thanks for the reply

it dosent give me one on the testing kit im using, im using a tetra test kit

 

[shelaghfishface]

then if i were you i would get one called a API fresh water master testing kit, they are excellent everyone on here will recommend it to you, they can be a bit pricey initally,BUT it will do 800 tests and save you so much money in meds, and fish deaths,and headache pills its worth it i prmise, its tests individually for everything

 

[tenohfive]

It depends upon the fish, but as a loose rule of thumb the 3 to focus on (as they're more likely to indicate poor water quality) are ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

After a tank has cycled ammonia should be 0, nitrite should be 0 and nitrates can vary, depending on the fish I believe 50 is around the upper limit.

Your pH is quite high, suggesting hard alkaline water.

Theres no correct pH - its all down to individual fish preferences and if you look on any database relating to aquarium fish (the species index on here for instance) they'll say the ideal pH range for that fish. Keep in mind that alot of fish can be kept quite a long way outside the pH range provided the pH stays stable and the water quality is good.

If you haven't already, get a test kit that tests ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. The liquid test kits are best.

 

[pauly]

You really need a liquid test kit, not the paper ones.

Gh / Kh / Ph stats also depend on what fish you're keeping.

Pauly.

 

[tenohfive]

And as shelagh said, the API freshwater master test kit comes highly recommended - its the one I use.

 

[judith]

It depends upon the fish, but as a loose rule of thumb the 3 to focus on (as they're more likely to indicate poor water quality) are ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

After a tank has cycled ammonia should be 0, nitrite should be 0 and nitrates can vary, depending on the fish I believe 50 is around the upper limit.

Your pH is quite high, suggesting hard alkaline water.

Theres no correct pH - its all down to individual fish preferences and if you look on any database relating to aquarium fish (the species index on here for instance) they'll say the ideal pH range for that fish. Keep in mind that alot of fish can be kept quite a long way outside the pH range provided the pH stays stable and the water quality is good.

If you haven't already, get a test kit that tests ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH. The liquid test kits are best.

thanks for the tip i will get one that does all the only one my kit dosent do is the amonia, so apart from just need to get my ph down a bit?

then if i were you i would get one called a API fresh water master testing kit, they are excellent everyone on here will recommend it to you, they can be a bit pricey initally,BUT it will do 800 tests and save you so much money in meds, and fish deaths,and headache pills its worth it i prmise, its tests individually for everything

thanks i will get one of those

You really need a liquid test kit, not the paper ones.

Gh / Kh / Ph stats also depend on what fish you're keeping.

Pauly.

the fish i have at the min are:

1 pleco
3 clown loaches
4 silver tips
2 black widow tetras
4 zebra danios
4 orange & black neons
10 blue & red neons
1 gourami
2 small bottom workers (don't know name)

 

[JenCliBee]

as stated above a liquid test kit is wot u need much more accurate than the test paper strip 1's as for ur PH it's fine not 2 high and not 2 low most fish will tollerate this level so 2 be honest it's just the ammonia reading that needs 2 be done so if u do go for a test kit get the 1 shel mentioned most of us use it including me


jen

 

[5teady_2012]

API Tests kits are great...

although i only test for nitrite mainly now and amonia sometimes...

I dont bother with nitrate as my tap water is 40ppm anyways.

 

[judith]

as stated above a liquid test kit is wot u need much more accurate than the test paper strip 1's as for ur PH it's fine not 2 high and not 2 low most fish will tollerate this level so 2 be honest it's just the ammonia reading that needs 2 be done so if u do go for a test kit get the 1 shel mentioned most of us use it including me


jen

i will get one tomorrow better being sure thanks

API Tests kits are great...

although i only test for nitrite mainly now and amonia sometimes...

I dont bother with nitrate as my tap water is 40ppm anyways.

hopefully i will get to know my tank too. lucky you at least u know what your doing lol not like us learners lol

 

[5teady_2012]

We all start from sratch and it takes no time at all to learn, and your in the best place to do that

 

[JenCliBee]

We all start from sratch and it takes no time at all to learn, and your in the best place to do that

amen 2 that

 

[judith]

We all start from sratch and it takes no time at all to learn, and your in the best place to do that

thanks very much for the advice much appreciated

 

[judith]

as stated above a liquid test kit is wot u need much more accurate than the test paper strip 1's as for ur PH it's fine not 2 high and not 2 low most fish will tollerate this level so 2 be honest it's just the ammonia reading that needs 2 be done so if u do go for a test kit get the 1 shel mentioned most of us use it including me


jen

i didn't know which was the best one to get was going on advice from shop but that seems to be usless. as steady says anything else i need to know i will ask here lol at least i will get the right advice. should have known shops will sell u anything for a sale. ta