Water Params?

IhaveaGuppy · 11-11-2008, 09:40 AM

Ok I have heard a lot about Nitrites and Nitrates but I have never worried about them! I do test my PH but nothing else. I use water conditioner, Zeolite crystals, and Amquel+ (Stuff that supposedly gets rid of Ammonia, Chlorine, Chloramines, Nitrites, and Nitrates) I use it for ammonia and Chlorine. Should I test my Nitrites/Nitrates? If so what test supplies do I need? I have seen the pet store use the strips. Can I use those?

Judge · 11-11-2008, 10:25 AM

Nitrites can be fatal to your fish and Nitrates build up over time. How often do you complete a water change and how much do you change? A complete water testing kit is a little pricey, but so are some fish. SeaChem makes a pretty good one.

Loman · 11-11-2008, 05:25 PM

If I may also interject, IMO opinion you are pouring way too many chemicals into your tank. It is not a chemistry experiment

. All too often people start down this path and put one chemical in to solve this which creates that and a new chemical to solve that and so on and so on. I fear you are in chain of interactions such as that and the various chemicals are likely canceling each other out and resulting in a less stable environment

Jay · 11-11-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

If I may also interject, IMO opinion you are pouring way too many chemicals into your tank. It is not a chemistry experiment . All too often people start down this path and put one chemical in to solve this which creates that and a new chemical to solve that and so on and so on. I fear you are in chain of interactions such as that and the various chemicals are likely canceling each other out and resulting in a less stable environment

Can we have an Amen?

Jay

IhaveaGuppy · 11-12-2008, 03:23 PM

I am only adding things that fish experts say to - I am really adding only 3 chems about every month or two and one maybe every 2 weeks (in addition to filtering). I change my water maybe every month and a half and I add water for evaporation. I asked an expert in a fish store whether I need to get a test kit and he said not really.

Loman · 11-12-2008, 04:11 PM

I would find a new fish expert

if that is the advice he gave! IMO everyone should test on a regular basis. Many LFS are focused on short term profit and are not really looking out for your best interest

Additionally I think a complete water change is not a good practice at all. It has the serious potential of creating osmotic shock due to rapid changes in paramters.

LiVe4fIsH · 11-12-2008, 04:44 PM

Can we have an amen?

Izzy

Judge · 11-12-2008, 06:42 PM

Oh yes...AMEN Bros. Izzy, Loman and Guru Jay!