Test results help
- Thread starter Lucyangel
- Start date
pH can be 6.8 to 8.0. The number does not matter as much as the stability. Some fish prefer pH closer to one end of the scale or the other.
Ammonia = 0
Nitrites = 0
Nitrates 5 to 20; Nitrates accumulate over time naturally, but you do no want them to get above 20. They are removed with partial water changes weekly.
There is a *lot* more to say about all this. Do you know about cycling? Weekly water changes? How much and when to feed? Read the articles on this forum to get started!
Ammonia = 0
Nitrites = 0
Nitrates 5 to 20; Nitrates accumulate over time naturally, but you do no want them to get above 20. They are removed with partial water changes weekly.
There is a *lot* more to say about all this. Do you know about cycling? Weekly water changes? How much and when to feed? Read the articles on this forum to get started!
How long have you had the tank? It can often take a month for a cycle to get established. In the meantime, the water can be rough on fish who are not hardy enough for uncycled water.
"The cycle" refers to the establishment of bacteria that turn the ammonia in the fish waste to nitrites and then to nitrates. Ammonia and nitrites are harmful to the fish; nitrates are safe in low concentrations (less than 20 ppm).
Read the stickies at the top of this forum for more help.
"The cycle" refers to the establishment of bacteria that turn the ammonia in the fish waste to nitrites and then to nitrates. Ammonia and nitrites are harmful to the fish; nitrates are safe in low concentrations (less than 20 ppm).
Read the stickies at the top of this forum for more help.
The high pH and the pH are measuring the same thing. You use the high pH kit when the "normal" pH kit shows a reading off its scale.
Help us out...
Post a set of what you are getting for readings on your tank.
Also post a set of readings on your tap water, after it has set out for about 12 hours in a shallow dish.
Please include what size tank you have and what/how many fish you have in it.
Do you also gravel vac when you do the cleaning?
Post a set of what you are getting for readings on your tank.
Also post a set of readings on your tap water, after it has set out for about 12 hours in a shallow dish.
Please include what size tank you have and what/how many fish you have in it.
Do you also gravel vac when you do the cleaning?