ammonia, nitrIte, and nitrAte

[Blade118]

AHHHHHHH
not being stupid but i dont know what these are and what levels they are in my tank at the mo



HAS anyone PLZ got spare kits which they can send to me though the post (hoping free of charge but will pay cash if have to)

If you want to do so plz send an email to eddieboy27@hotmail.com for address or PM me


THANKS

BLADE118

 

[rdd1952]

You can order an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master kit from Petsmart.com for about $15 plus shipping. They aren't that expensive. I don't think your going to find a spare one from anyone. Stay away from the strips and go with liquid tests.

 

[nitro]

They are the three things in the nitrogen cycle.

Ammonia is produced from uneaten food, fish waste.

This ammonia which is very poisonous to fish is broken down into NitrItes by bacteria.

Then the NitrItes which are also very poisonous to fish are turned into NitrAtes. Your tank should have 0 nitrItes



Your tank should have 0 ammonia
Your tank should have 0 nitrItes

Nitrates are not as toxic as the other two and is still safe upto levels of around 70ppm but ideally nitrates should be around anywhere upto 30ppm

For a more detailed and better explanation click this link below.

Nitrogen cycle




You should really know what your levels are from cycling your tank?

You can pick up master test kits for around £20 pounds i think. You really should look into buying some or get your LFS to test your water(if they do water tests).


Hope this helps.

 

[Blade118]

Thanks



Well if this helps i do about 20% water change every 12 days because the bloke said to



My tank has been up and running for about 7 weeks now so do i still have to carry out water changes



( if i can get any kits i will be willing to pay)

 

[rdd1952]

Even established tanks need a weekly water change. During cycling with fish, you need to daily or at least every onther day water changes to keep the ammonia and nitrite levels in check. I do a 15% to 25% water change every week on my 5 tanks.

 

[Blade118]

thanks