Maintenance water changes and testing
Partial water changes
They serve the purpose to remove toxins from your tank that can’t be completely removed through your filter. The main toxin that gets removed with water changes is NitrAte, along with excess ammonia, NitrIte and leftover medication. For more effective and faster water changes use the No Spill Clean and Fill from Python. It is important to add a chlorine remover after a partial water change, and test your aquarium.
Aquarium Testing (Fresh and Saltwater)
Regular testing for ammonia will provide a positive indication that your Biological Filter is functioning correctly and that it is in balance with the stocking level. Iron is an essential element regularly taken up by plants. In order to dose iron supplements such as FloraFe, it is important to monitor the level of iron present in the water. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is taken up regularly by aquarium plants. Over stocking of plants in the aquarium can deplete the carbon dioxide adversely effecting their growth. The solubility of CO2 in water is affected by the Carbonate hardness (KH) of the water. All plants and many fish species are dependant on a specific General Hardness (GH) for their well being. Therefore both GH and KH should be monitored regularly. Chlorine is often used to ensure that tap water is safe for human consumption, it is however harmful to fish, plants and nitrifying bacteria. Use the chlorine kit to ensure that only chlorine free water is added to your aquarium. Because all tests are not made equal, it is important to read the factory-packaged instructions for the test you will use.
The following tests are recommended to make sure you keep your aquarium healthy:
- pH
- Ammonia
- Nitrite
- GH: General Hardness
- KH: Carbonate Hardness
- Chlorine
- Iron
- CO2
In our store we have products such as Marine Lab II Test Kit, Red Sea for Saltwater Aquariums, and Deluxe Fresh Lab Test Kit, Red Sea for freshwater aquariums.
Aquarium Salinity Testing (Saltwater only)
The only other test that needs to always be tested is the salinity of your tank. That is only a test to be performed in a saltwater aquarium. Test the salinity of your tank with a Hydrometer or Refractometer.
