What is the best wat to start testing

[wilsonriverfish]

The kit is exspensive but offer everything should i buy a nitrite test kit then a ammonia then a ph is there anywhere there offers them cheaper online? Should i really invest in a test system when i keep up on frequent water changes?

 

[MortiferousSoul]

bigalsonline.com sells a Master test kit for 12 bucks. If you really dont feel like spending alot of money right now you can get buy with just t he ammonia and ph for a little while (assuming you havent cycled)

 

[fishtrap]

Ammonia and nitite tests are handy when you are cycling a new tank. They can also help in troubleshooting a distressed tank.

pH isn't realy necessary unless you're trying to breed fish or grow plants.

Most fish will typically adjust to the pH of your tap water with no problem.

 

[wilsonriverfish]

Its already cycled but i replaced the substrate to larger gravel so i though it might go into a mini cycle and i should test it. Even after it is cycled do you guys still test?

 

[fishtrap]

Na... I just do regular water changes -once a week. Haven't lost a fish in over a year.

 

[MortiferousSoul]

i test nitrates every once and a while to keep it at a decent ppm for the plants.

 

[wilsonriverfish]

do i really need to do once a week water changes cause ive upgraded my filter to a fluval 405 its for up to 200 gallons and i have a 70. How often would you guys do them I have a 4-5 inch tiger oscar,2-3 inch convict cichlid, 5-6 inch severum cichlid, 1 blue gourami,1 opaline gourami, 2 serpae tetras, and one swordtail, a pleco,1 red claw crab and a snail.

 

[Submariner]

I'm really strict about my testing. I always test nitrites, nitrates, and KH with strips a day after a water change (which I do every two weeks) and the pH with a test tube kit. I just don't feel right unless I know everything is cool. Now that my tank is pretty stable I've relaxed a bit, but I'm a firm believer in schedules and preventative maintenance. Better to catch something going wrong early.

 

[seastaar88]

i test every two weeks as a preventative measure. that way if any levels look bad, i can alleviate any problems before i lose fish.