In order to maintain and create optimal water conditions for fish, plants and invertebrates water testing is essential. It is not possible to simply look at an aquarium and be aware of conditions that may need to be adjusted or toxins that are accumulating to lethal levels.
Regular water testing will help all aquariums achieve and realise the health and beauty they are capable of demonstrating when all essential conditions are met. Fish that are exposed to even small consistent levels of nitrite that may be the result of an improperly maintained or sized filter system may perish or never seem as vibrant as they can be. Corals that are deprived of the KH values they require for growth and sustenance may also perish or never demonstrate their true beauty. Plants that are constantly lacking essential trace minerals such as iron may perish or never demonstrate the rich vibrant greens and reds that make a planted aquarium a unique underwater garden.
It is impossible to understate the benefits of regularly testing aquarium water. Active thriving colourful fish, plants and corals are just a test away; not testing on the other hand can be the cause of being unaware of what can easily be prevented.
In a sense all aquarium water testing is essential, however, the following tests diagnose common problems that can cause a rapid loss of fish:
Ammonia is a nitrogen compound that is highly toxic to fish and is introduced into the water system through excess food and fish excretions. The more food or the greater the quantity of fish, the greater the ammonia output. In an established aquarium ammonia levels should be constantly zero as beneficial bacteria quickly converts it to nitrite. In a new aquarium or one with a recent introduction of additional fish, ammonia can increase to dangerous levels. Therefore, regular testing and the regular use of Nutrafin Cycle is essential to minimise ammonia spikes.
Nitrite (NO2)
Nitrite is also highly toxic and is a direct result of the consumption of ammonia by beneficial bacteria. Again, nitrite readings in an established aquarium should be zero due to further strain of beneficial bacteria found in your filter and in Nutrafin Cycle. Regular use a nitrite test can warn you of a problem with your filter or general setup before it becomes lethal to your fish.
Nitrate (NO3)
Nitrate is the end product which occurs once nitrite has been consumed by beneficial bacteria. Nitrate is relatively harmless unless at high concentrations and needs only be removed every so often by means of a partial water change. Monitoring nitrate is essential to determine when a water change is required.
pH
This is another critical test that can help prevent immediate loss of fish. The pH level dictates the percentage of two forms of ammonia that can be present at the same time within an aquarium. The gaseous form of ammonia is the toxic form, NH3, the higher the pH value above neutral (7) the greater the toxic component. This is one major reason why the pH of replacement water should be measured prior to water changes in any aquariums that contain ammonia. A pH rise in an aquarium containing ammonia can be lethal to fish. pH values can be altered in an aquarium by using Nutrafin pH Adjust water treatments. Always raise or lower pH values slowly (not more than 0.5 in 24 hours) as many fish are sensitive to pH changes.
The pH value is a major factor in plant growth and health and equally important to fish condition and colouration. There is a marked visual difference in the behaviour and colour of most fish when they are kept within suggested pH ranges.
Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH tests are all included in the Nutrafin Mini Master Test Kit.
