PH TEST
Why Test pH?
pH is the measure of acidity of water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral. A pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline, and a pH lower than 7.0 is acidic. Maintaining the aquarium at the proper pH ensures optimal water quality.
Recommended pH Levels
A pH of 7.0 is ideal when keeping a community aquarium containing a variety of tropical fish. Goldfish should be kept in their own aquarium and prefer a pH of 7.5. Many amazonian fish like angelfish and neon tetras, prefer a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Mollies and swordtails thrive at pH 7.2 to 7.5.
Frequency of Testing
The pH should be tested weekly, since natural materials in the aquarium can cause pH changes.
AMMONIA TEST
Why Test For Ammonia?
Tropical fish continually release ammonia directly into the aquarium through their gills, urine and solid waste. Uneatend food and other decaying organic matter also add ammonia to the water. a natural mechanism exists that controls ammonia to the water. A natural mechanism exists that controls ammonia in the aquarium- the biological filter media. It is made up of nitrifying bacteria. however, as with any natural process, imbalances can occur. Testing for the presence of toxic ammonia is essential. ammonia in the aquarium may damage gill membranes and prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration. High levels of ammonia quickly lead to fish death. even trace amounts stress fish, suppressing their immune system and thereby increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks and subsequent fish loss.
What the Test Results Mean
In a new aquarium, the ammonia level may surge to 4 ppm (mg/L) or more, and then fall rapidly as the biological filter becomes established. the ammonia will be converted to nitrite (also toxic), then to nitrate. This Process may take several weeks. In an Established aquarium the ammonia level should always remain at 0 ppm (mg/L); any level above 0 can begin to harm fish. The presence of ammonia indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish or inadequate biological filtration. the ammonia level is not an indication of the nitrite level: Nitrite is another toxic waste material which must be tested seperatley.
Frequency of Testing
Regular testing is necessary to make sure the ammonia level is safe. Aquarium water should be tested for ammonia every other day when the aquarium is first set up, and once a week after the biological filter has been established.
Detoxifying Ammonia
To detoxify ammonia, use API Ammo-Lock to instantly lock up ammonia. AMMO-LOCK does not remove ammonia, it simply converts toxic ammonia to a non toxic form, Ammonia test kits will still test positive for ammonia, even though treating with ammo-lock has made it non-toxic ammonia converting it to nitrite and then to nitrate.
Filtering Method to Remove Ammonia in Freshwater Aquariums
Filter Aquarium water with API Ammo-Carb or AMMO- Chips To remove ammonia and improve water quality.
Water Changes
Changing 25% of the aquarium water will reduce the ammonia level. In an emergency, a daily water change may be required over several days. Be sure to use a water conditioner like stress coat or AMMO-Lock, When Adding tap water back into the aquarium.
NITRITE TEST
Why Test for nitrite?
Nitrite is produced in the aquarium by the biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia into nitrite (also toxic). The Biological filter then converts nitrite into nitrate. Testing for the presence of toxic nitrite is essential so that once detected steps can be taken to remove it. otherwise, Nitrite in the aquarium will prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration. High levels of nitrite quickly lead to fish death. Even trace amounts of nitrite stress fish, suppressing their immune system and thereby increase the likelihood of disease and susequent fish loss.
What the Test Results Mean
In new aquariums the nitrite level will gradually climb to 5 ppm or more. As the biological filter becomes established (in 4 to 6 weeks), Nitrite levels will drop to 0 ppm. in an established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0 ppm; any level above 0 can begin to harm fish. the presence of nitrite indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration. the nitrite level is not an indication of the ammonia level; ammonia is another toxic waster material which must be tested seperatley.
Frequency of Testing
Regular testing for nitrite is an essential part of routine aquarium maintenance. Aquarium Water should be tested for nitrite once a week to make sure the nitrite does not reach an undesirable level.
Reducing Nitrite in the Aquarium
Use API Nitra-ZORB to remove nitrite from freshwater aquariums. Nitra Zorb is a rechargeable filtration material that removes nitrite from freshwater. Making partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrite level, especially if the initial nitrite level is very high. Use API Stress Zyme to help Speed the Development of the biological filter. Adding API Aquarium Salt will reduce nitrite toxicity to fish while the biological filter is removing the nitrite.
NITRATE TEST
Why Test for Nitrate?
Nitrate is produced in the aquarium by the biolgical filter. beneficial bacteria in teh biological filter convert toxic ammonina and nitrite into nitrate. A High Nitrate level indicates a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and contributing to the likelihood of fish disease. Excessive nitrate also provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal blooms. in the opinion of many aquarists, maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates.
What the Test results mean
In New aquariums the nitrate level will gradually climb as the bilogical filter becomes established. a nitrate level of 40PPM or less is recommended for freshwater aquariums
Frequency of Testing
Regular testing for nitrate is an esscential part of routine aquarium maintenance. Aquarium Water should be tested for nitrate once a week to make sure the nitrate does not reach an undesirable level.
Reducing Nitrate in Freshwater Aquariums
Use API Nitra-Zorb to remove nitrate from freshwater Aquarium. Nitra-Zorb is a Rechargeable filtration material that removes nitrate from freshwater. Making Partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrate level, especially if the initial nitrate level is very high. However, because many tap water supplies contain nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method. API Tap Water Filter will remove all pollutants, including Nitrate, From Tap water, Making water changes safe and effective.
Resources and Information: Taken From API Master Test Kit Instructions!
Hope this All helps Everybody!
Why Test pH?
pH is the measure of acidity of water. A pH reading of 7.0 is neutral. A pH higher than 7.0 is alkaline, and a pH lower than 7.0 is acidic. Maintaining the aquarium at the proper pH ensures optimal water quality.
Recommended pH Levels
A pH of 7.0 is ideal when keeping a community aquarium containing a variety of tropical fish. Goldfish should be kept in their own aquarium and prefer a pH of 7.5. Many amazonian fish like angelfish and neon tetras, prefer a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Mollies and swordtails thrive at pH 7.2 to 7.5.
Frequency of Testing
The pH should be tested weekly, since natural materials in the aquarium can cause pH changes.
AMMONIA TEST
Why Test For Ammonia?
Tropical fish continually release ammonia directly into the aquarium through their gills, urine and solid waste. Uneatend food and other decaying organic matter also add ammonia to the water. a natural mechanism exists that controls ammonia to the water. A natural mechanism exists that controls ammonia in the aquarium- the biological filter media. It is made up of nitrifying bacteria. however, as with any natural process, imbalances can occur. Testing for the presence of toxic ammonia is essential. ammonia in the aquarium may damage gill membranes and prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration. High levels of ammonia quickly lead to fish death. even trace amounts stress fish, suppressing their immune system and thereby increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks and subsequent fish loss.
What the Test Results Mean
In a new aquarium, the ammonia level may surge to 4 ppm (mg/L) or more, and then fall rapidly as the biological filter becomes established. the ammonia will be converted to nitrite (also toxic), then to nitrate. This Process may take several weeks. In an Established aquarium the ammonia level should always remain at 0 ppm (mg/L); any level above 0 can begin to harm fish. The presence of ammonia indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish or inadequate biological filtration. the ammonia level is not an indication of the nitrite level: Nitrite is another toxic waste material which must be tested seperatley.
Frequency of Testing
Regular testing is necessary to make sure the ammonia level is safe. Aquarium water should be tested for ammonia every other day when the aquarium is first set up, and once a week after the biological filter has been established.
Detoxifying Ammonia
To detoxify ammonia, use API Ammo-Lock to instantly lock up ammonia. AMMO-LOCK does not remove ammonia, it simply converts toxic ammonia to a non toxic form, Ammonia test kits will still test positive for ammonia, even though treating with ammo-lock has made it non-toxic ammonia converting it to nitrite and then to nitrate.
Filtering Method to Remove Ammonia in Freshwater Aquariums
Filter Aquarium water with API Ammo-Carb or AMMO- Chips To remove ammonia and improve water quality.
Water Changes
Changing 25% of the aquarium water will reduce the ammonia level. In an emergency, a daily water change may be required over several days. Be sure to use a water conditioner like stress coat or AMMO-Lock, When Adding tap water back into the aquarium.
NITRITE TEST
Why Test for nitrite?
Nitrite is produced in the aquarium by the biological filter. Beneficial bacteria in the biological filter convert toxic ammonia into nitrite (also toxic). The Biological filter then converts nitrite into nitrate. Testing for the presence of toxic nitrite is essential so that once detected steps can be taken to remove it. otherwise, Nitrite in the aquarium will prevent fish from carrying on normal respiration. High levels of nitrite quickly lead to fish death. Even trace amounts of nitrite stress fish, suppressing their immune system and thereby increase the likelihood of disease and susequent fish loss.
What the Test Results Mean
In new aquariums the nitrite level will gradually climb to 5 ppm or more. As the biological filter becomes established (in 4 to 6 weeks), Nitrite levels will drop to 0 ppm. in an established aquarium, the nitrite level should always remain at 0 ppm; any level above 0 can begin to harm fish. the presence of nitrite indicates possible over-feeding, too many fish, or inadequate biological filtration. the nitrite level is not an indication of the ammonia level; ammonia is another toxic waster material which must be tested seperatley.
Frequency of Testing
Regular testing for nitrite is an essential part of routine aquarium maintenance. Aquarium Water should be tested for nitrite once a week to make sure the nitrite does not reach an undesirable level.
Reducing Nitrite in the Aquarium
Use API Nitra-ZORB to remove nitrite from freshwater aquariums. Nitra Zorb is a rechargeable filtration material that removes nitrite from freshwater. Making partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrite level, especially if the initial nitrite level is very high. Use API Stress Zyme to help Speed the Development of the biological filter. Adding API Aquarium Salt will reduce nitrite toxicity to fish while the biological filter is removing the nitrite.
NITRATE TEST
Why Test for Nitrate?
Nitrate is produced in the aquarium by the biolgical filter. beneficial bacteria in teh biological filter convert toxic ammonina and nitrite into nitrate. A High Nitrate level indicates a build-up of fish waste and organic compounds, resulting in poor water quality and contributing to the likelihood of fish disease. Excessive nitrate also provides a nitrogen source that can stimulate algal blooms. in the opinion of many aquarists, maintaining a low nitrate level improves the health of fish and invertebrates.
What the Test results mean
In New aquariums the nitrate level will gradually climb as the bilogical filter becomes established. a nitrate level of 40PPM or less is recommended for freshwater aquariums
Frequency of Testing
Regular testing for nitrate is an esscential part of routine aquarium maintenance. Aquarium Water should be tested for nitrate once a week to make sure the nitrate does not reach an undesirable level.
Reducing Nitrate in Freshwater Aquariums
Use API Nitra-Zorb to remove nitrate from freshwater Aquarium. Nitra-Zorb is a Rechargeable filtration material that removes nitrate from freshwater. Making Partial water changes can also help reduce the nitrate level, especially if the initial nitrate level is very high. However, because many tap water supplies contain nitrate, it can be difficult to lower nitrate levels by this method. API Tap Water Filter will remove all pollutants, including Nitrate, From Tap water, Making water changes safe and effective.
Resources and Information: Taken From API Master Test Kit Instructions!
Hope this All helps Everybody!
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