What kind of tests do I need for a non-planted tank? Is it a good idea to get the kit? How easy are they to use?
Test Kits
- Thread starter Kasakato
- Start date
I got an aquarium pharmeceuticals test kit. It comes with four little capped tubes and six bottles. You basically fill the tubes up to the pre-marked 5mL line, and add the proper chemicals for each test you want to run. It tests pH, high range pH, Nitrites, hardness, and Ammonia. Some tests require 5 minutes or so to develop. These are very easy to use.
You can also get little strips which just require a drop of tank water on them to give you a result. Those might be even easier. I think they might be a bit more expensive though. I think the testing liquids give you more tests for your buck.
It's a good idea to get a "master test kit" which will cover most (if not all) of your bases. You should have tests for pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. KH and GH are important for monitoring the cycle because the nitrogen cycle uses up dissolved trace minerals in the water column that help keep your pH constant [Buffering Capacity]. This is GH, and more specifically, KH. When KH and GH get too low, any changes in the pH will have a much greater effect. Remember when I mentioned baking soda in the thread about water changes? When your KH and GH start to drop, you can add baking soda to bring them back up and help create a more stable pH.
Hope it helps, good luck with the cycle- if you keep the forum posted, we can help you interpret the results of your tests if you're ever confused.
You can also get little strips which just require a drop of tank water on them to give you a result. Those might be even easier. I think they might be a bit more expensive though. I think the testing liquids give you more tests for your buck.
It's a good idea to get a "master test kit" which will cover most (if not all) of your bases. You should have tests for pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. KH and GH are important for monitoring the cycle because the nitrogen cycle uses up dissolved trace minerals in the water column that help keep your pH constant [Buffering Capacity]. This is GH, and more specifically, KH. When KH and GH get too low, any changes in the pH will have a much greater effect. Remember when I mentioned baking soda in the thread about water changes? When your KH and GH start to drop, you can add baking soda to bring them back up and help create a more stable pH.
Hope it helps, good luck with the cycle- if you keep the forum posted, we can help you interpret the results of your tests if you're ever confused.
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