| It seems obvious enough, but it is amazing how | | | | You will also want to test the Ammonia levels |
| many aquarium owners don't realize the | | | | regularly, as this is dangerous to the fish if it builds |
| importance of the tank water to the health of | | | | up too much. If the ammonia is too high, the fish |
| their fish! The temperature, ph level and number | | | | will die, so keep the water and filter clean, and |
| of fish you have can all affect the health of your | | | | again test at least every week so you can nip |
| tank. The only way to ensure the water stays | | | | any problems in the bud before they cause death. |
| right is to regularly test it with the appropriate | | | | The level of nitrite in the water should always be |
| testing kits. | | | | nil, and regular high readings would indicate you |
| Always have a thermometer handy and test the | | | | need a new filter. Along with your PH test and |
| water daily to make sure it is around 24 degrees | | | | ammonia test, keep the nitrite testing kit on hand |
| (this can vary depending on species so be sure to | | | | as well, and test weekly or more if an issue |
| double check). The best thermometers are the | | | | arises. |
| ones that stick to the glass so you can confirm | | | | The last tests to do for healthy aquarium water |
| the temperature each time you look at the fish | | | | are hardness and carbonate hardness |
| tank. If the temperature is out of the correct | | | | concentration. Everyone has different water |
| range, the fish will be much more susceptible to | | | | hardness and carbonate levels depending on your |
| developing illnesses. It is just as important that the | | | | towns supply, and most fish thrive in softer |
| tank water maintains a consistent temperature | | | | water. This would be over fifty but less than two |
| level, so don't place it near heaters or air | | | | hundred parts per million and any higher could |
| conditioners. When you change the water only | | | | mean they will become sick. Carbon hardness is |
| add water that is the same temperature so the | | | | less often a problem, but is just as important to |
| fish aren't shocked. | | | | test in case it does get out of hand. |
| The tanks PH level is certainly one of the most | | | | All the above mentioned kits are inexpensive and |
| important things for you to monitor. You can buy | | | | vital. By closely monitoring the water in your |
| a testing kit for around ten dollars and should test | | | | aquarium, you can ensure your fish flourish and |
| it every few days. You want to see a level of | | | | live a healthy and happy life in your home. It |
| around 6-7; Higher than seven is alkaline, and | | | | saves you the money of buying expensive |
| below seven is acidic. If you ever add anything at | | | | medicines and having to replace fish, not to |
| all to the water, including more water, you should | | | | mention unnecessary guilt wondering if you |
| test again to check the effects. This applies to | | | | maybe could have looked after them better! |
| decorations, rocks, air stones or medicines. | | | | |