Water Testing (lfs)

[Thuggerz]

Just called up my local fish shop and asked if they could test my water for PH, Amonia, Nitrate, Nitrite and all they said was if you have nitrate your gonna have nitrite or the other way around and they wouldnt test for ammonia or ph....normally when i go to the shop they put a solution into my water and it goes between clear or pink.....do you think that simple test would be ok for me to know the water is safe?


Cheers!

 

[BigIan]

your best off buying your own test kit they cost less than 20 quid and are easy to use and you don`t have to go running off to the LFS.

There are also many other reasons to buy your own kit

A) If your cycling your tank you need to keep a constant eye on all the levels so you know when you can stock up.

B) regular testing means that you can detect and solve a problem before it becomesa a major one...

C) it will help you diagnose why your fish are ill if they ever become ill

 

[@ombomb]

Do yourself a favour and buy your own test kits, they're essential, especially seeing as your LFS don't seem too helpful!

API do a Freshwater Master Test Kit (pH / high range pH / Ammonia / Nitrite / Nitrate) which you can pick up for about £17 if you're in the UK.

 

[DaveW]

IMO, it's best to purchase a mini lab test kit. You can then test your water on a regular basis.

 

[Thuggerz]

Do yourself a favour and buy your own test kits, they're essential, especially seeing as your LFS don't seem too helpful!

API do a Freshwater Master Test Kit (pH / high range pH / Ammonia / Nitrite / Nitrate) which you can pick up for about £17 if you're in the UK.

Hi, that was the test kit i was gonna buy.........but i dont get paid for another week and my fish are flicking quite alot ......cheers for the help and info

 

[BigIan]

i use alot of the API stuff.
The test kit is great.

how do you mean your fish are "flicking"

 

[Thuggerz]

i use alot of the API stuff.
The test kit is great.

how do you mean your fish are "flicking"

Hi, yea there flicking on plants and stones and i was told to do a water test before using meds....

Kind Regards,
Thug

 

[BigIan]

that sounds like ich to me...

I`ve never had to deal with it so i`ll let some one else help with that problem although i do believe the standard treatment is melafix, daily water changes of anything up to 50% some extra ariation in the tank crossed fingers...


http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=133786&hl=


or just take the advice in your other thread on the topic...

 

[annka5]

Do a water change. Yoiu don't need to test the water in your tank to know that if the fish are looking unhappy, a water change is a sensiboe start point.
And, I agree with everyone - do get your own test kit. Sounds like your LFS has tested your water for you a fair few times in the past, I assume they make some charge for it - a test kit will be cheaper. If they don't charge for it, then yes, they are going to start getting funny about running laods of tests on your water.