![]() ![]() ![]() Nitrite levels will soar in new tanks that have not yet been cycled. ![]() Ideally you want to have test kit readings of less than 20 ppm in freshwater tanks and even less in saltwater tanks.Īmmonia gets converted to nitrite by the bacteria in your tank. The only way to remove the nitrates is through a partial water change. Nitrates are not as toxic as ammonia or nitrites but they are harmful and will stress your fish at high enough levels. Nitrites are converted to nitrates during the cycling process. Copper can be very harmful to fish and invertebrates. It can also get introduced to your tank if you've used any copper based medications. This heavy metal can come in with the tap water if you have older copper pipes. Clorine must be eliminated before entering your aquarium or it will kill your tropical fish. This chemical is found in most tap water and it is used to kill the bad bacteria in our drinking water. As with chlorine, you must eliminate this chemical from your tap water before adding it to your aquarium or it too will kill your tropical fish. It is a stronger disinfectant than chlorine alone and is used in areas where this extra disinfectant is needed. Ideally, we want the ammonia reading to be 0 ppm.Ĭhloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. New tanks that are going through the aquarium cycle or heavily stocked tanks will show ammonia readings with your test kits. Ammonia is the leading killer of tropical fish. This chemical is the result of fish waste and decomposing food in the aquarium. This is bacteria that can live without the presence of oxygen, or bacteria that does not require oxygen. This is bacteria that requires oxygen to live. You will need kits that will test for the following: I recommend that you get a good aquarium water testing kit or many individual kits. Understanding aquarium water chemistry will help your fish to not only survive but thrive! Anyone wanting to be successful at the tropical fish and aquarium hobby must put forth the time necessary to understand some basic fish tank water chemistry. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |