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