Which one parameter is vital measurement

[rohnds]

From the list of water parameters below,
1. pH level
2. NH3
3. NO2
4. NO3
5. GH

Which one parameter could be used to measured to maintain a healthy (or is the most important measure of a healthy aquarium) aquarium provided these condition have been met,

1. The aquarium is well established for a period of time.
2. It is not overstocked
3. Only a few fishes are introduced into the tank (if under stocked) at a given time.
4. Do bi-weekly partial water change (about 25%)
5. Filter installed meet the requirement.

If you pick one, please explain why that particular parameter is more important than the others.



-Rohn

 

[CAPSLOCK]

In an established, healthy tank, I'd say nitrates - because ammonia and nitrites will stay at 0 (I never check those on my established tank). The pH and GH will vary tank to tank - what is ideal in an african cichlid tank is likely unhealthy in a planted tank. Plus that's not something you want to play around with and fiddle with anyways. Water changes will keep the pH and GH stable for the individual tank. A planted tank with C02 you'd want to keep more of an eye on the pH though from what I've read, I've never had one.

In a brand new tank, the opposite is true - you wouldn't even need to bother checking nitrates, and ammonia and nitrites are the ones you'd want to keep a close eye on. pH and GH remain the same (no need to fiddle, so not as important to check).

 

[FreshyFresh]

I'm relatively new to this modern tankology stuff, but agree with CL.

With your 5 conditions being true, nitrates is all you may want to read from time to time.

If any of your 5 conditions has changed or is unknown, IMO, the most important would be ammonia (second would be nitrites) to see if you've induced a mini-cycle.