Testing the Water in Your Aquarium
Testing the Salt Water Aquarium
Maintaining an aquarium is challenging especially when you are taking care of salt-water fish. Aside from feeding these creatures pellets, flakes or worms, extreme care must be given to the water.
There are some similarities between the fresh and the salt water test kit. For instance, you can check on the health of aquarium or pond by looking at the levels of ammonia, nitrate and pH.
Since these aren’t enough to care for the salt water fish, a hydrometer is needed to check on the gravity of the water. This will tell if there is too much salt in the tank which is also harmful for these sea creatures.
Fresh water aquariums employ the KH & GH test kit. Salt water ones use the calcium test kit because this is needed by all marine life. The reading should be between 400 to 450 ppm which is a good sign that the fish are safe.
If the level of magnesium falls below 1200 ppm, this may endanger the life of the salt water fish. The only way to check on this is by using a magnesium test kit. Changing the water isn’t the answer to this problem. You will have to employ marine buffers to improve the situation.
There was a time that fish owners could just look at the physical condition of the fish to check if everything is normal. Since it is very hard to determine the cause of death should one be discovered floating in the water, various kits were invented to prevent such a tragedy from happening.
The salt water kits mentioned should be used weekly. Most of these are inexpensive and can be purchase online or at the local pet store. You don’t have to worry about how to use it because each one comes with a manual so all you have to do is follow the instructions.
If there are any questions, you can ask how to use it to understand the various readings before going home. Those who are still confused will have to call the customer service hotline printed on the box.
You shouldn’t forget to check on the temperature of the water. This could also be another factor that could affect the life of the salt water fish that can only be done accurately using a thermometer.
Testing the Fresh Water Aquarium
Fish are sensitive creatures. It is hard to tell if something is wrong since fish aren’t able to talk and then it just dies. One way to check on the health of those living in the aquarium is by using a test kit.
There are quite a few on the market and some fish experts recommend using a combination to check the water.
The first is called the ammonia test kit. This should be done regularly because ammonia is harmful to the fish. You will get some water out of the aquarium and let the machine do the rest. The level of ammonium must be at a low level or zero. Should it be to high, the water should be replaced even if there isn’t that much dirt yet on the glass.
Next is called the KH & GH test kit. This stands for calcium and magnesium and the level of normalcy depends on the species of fish. Goldfish which are frequently purchased by pet owners should stay between 100 to 200 KH & GH.
Another thing to watch out for is the pH level. There are two types available namely the pH high and the low range. The pet owner only has to buy one and then look at the indicator if the levels are normal. Again this depends on the type of fish kept in the aquarium.
There is also the Nitrate Test Kit. This is considered to be the best one around next to the Ammonia version which can tell when it is time to change the water in the aquarium. For freshwater fish like the goldfish, it should stay under 40 ppm.
If you have live plants inside the aquarium with the fish, it will be a good idea to buy a phosphate test kit. This will alert you if there is an overgrowth of algae that could be harmful for those living there. After changing the water, results should report that the phosphate content is close to zero.
No one can say that there is one kit out there over the others. This is because each one is designed to watch over something and unless someone is able to invent an all around version, fish owners will have to buy and use a combination to ensure the welfare of those living in the aquarium.