When Is The Best Time To Test?

[chardonnay1000]

Hi

Can anyone tell me when is the best time to test your water stats, ie before or after a water change? Before or after feeding them? Or does it not matter.

Thanks

 

[chibi]

I do it right before a water change and about 24 hours after it.

 

[George Farmer]

Depends what you're testing for, and for what reason.

Most kits aren't accurate enough for it to matter a great deal, unless you do a big water change and the fresh water is very different from the aquarium (which suggests there may be an issue anyway).

IMO hobby grade kits are best used as guide to spot early trends in water quality, rather that to determine exact levels. Or to test for ammonia/ammonium and nitrite when establishing a filter/trouble shooting.

 

[chardonnay1000]

Thanks alot,

i normally test for ev thing once a week as it is still a newish tank and i just want everything to be on the safe side. Does it matter if you feed your fish first or would that not affect any readings?

 

[George Farmer]

I'd feed after testing.

 

[The-Wolf]

IMHO
the only tests that can be affected by the time you test are O2 and pH.
O2 levels are best tested at night around an hour after lights out
and pH is best tested around an hour after lights on

 

[chardonnay1000]

Thanks for the replies everyone