Hi group,Im new to aquariums and fish keeping.Should i get a water test kit?Does water test kits include the chemicals to get the water in a healthy range?What test kit do you recommend,and where can i buy it?Thanks for the help.Shawn
water test kit
- Thread starter footballfan
- Start date
most pet stores carry test kits..most test kits test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate ,pH
you can also ourchase additional test to test kH gH.
they do not contain stuff to adjust the water.
most of the tests, test to help you maintain the tank. ammonia,nitrite, nitrates essential during cycling(nitrogen cycle) ammonia is a by product (waste from fish) nitrite is by product(waste from bacteria consuming ammonia) nitrates a by product(waste from bacteria consuming nitrites) nitrates are reduced thru water changes.
you can also ourchase additional test to test kH gH.
they do not contain stuff to adjust the water.
most of the tests, test to help you maintain the tank. ammonia,nitrite, nitrates essential during cycling(nitrogen cycle) ammonia is a by product (waste from fish) nitrite is by product(waste from bacteria consuming ammonia) nitrates a by product(waste from bacteria consuming nitrites) nitrates are reduced thru water changes.
Shawn, welcome to AC!
You shouldn't need chemicals to "get water in healthy range". The only thing I use and recommend to add to water on a regular basis is tap water conditioner. As long as you do frequent water changes (at least 25% weekly) your fish will be healthy and happy
Clean water is MUCH more important than getting water chemistry into a certain range.
as star_rider said, the test kit is to help you monitor your tank conditions. When ammonia, nitrite, or nitrates get too high, you know you need to do a water change. Hope that helps!
You shouldn't need chemicals to "get water in healthy range". The only thing I use and recommend to add to water on a regular basis is tap water conditioner. As long as you do frequent water changes (at least 25% weekly) your fish will be healthy and happy
Clean water is MUCH more important than getting water chemistry into a certain range.as star_rider said, the test kit is to help you monitor your tank conditions. When ammonia, nitrite, or nitrates get too high, you know you need to do a water change. Hope that helps!
You definitely need a water testing kit when you're cycling a new tank to let you know when your water is toxic to fish and when you need to do a water change.
I recommend the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Test Kit. It contains all the major tests you'll need. I find this kit (especially it's 2-part liquid ammonia test) to be far more accurate than Hagen, etc.
I bought mine at my local aquarium store (wasn't available at my nearest pet shop) but it's very popular and you can buy it online if it's not available in your area (for example you can try bigalsonline.com)
I recommend the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Test Kit. It contains all the major tests you'll need. I find this kit (especially it's 2-part liquid ammonia test) to be far more accurate than Hagen, etc.
I bought mine at my local aquarium store (wasn't available at my nearest pet shop) but it's very popular and you can buy it online if it's not available in your area (for example you can try bigalsonline.com)
FYI,
if there is a Petsmart..they will price match their on line price you can save some $$ by using this I believe the online price is about $15(last time I checked) the store price was around $25.
if there is a Petsmart..they will price match their on line price you can save some $$ by using this I believe the online price is about $15(last time I checked) the store price was around $25.
you're very welcome. I just noticed you joined AC back in Junefootballfan said:
But yes, this site is great, with lots of friendly and knowledgeable members. I consider it "home"