Finally bought a testing kit!!

[Elisabeth83]

Ok Here is what everything is

Nitrate=0

Nitrite=0

GH=5

KH= somewhere in between 10-17

PH=8.5-9.0 which makes me a little worried??

I don't know what ammonia is cause thats not included in this testing kit but was told that Sweden has great water and that you dont have to worry about ammonia.

Can someone help me understand these results and what results I should get??

Thanks!

 

[Elisabeth83]

On my testing kit it says to compare the colors after 30 seconds. So are the colors after 30 seconds the accurate colors? Now thats it's been sitting out for like 5 mins the colors have changed a lot.

At first the Nitrate was around 15-20 now it's at 0
also the ph was around 7.5-8.5 and now its closer to 9.0

This is my first time using testing strips so excuse me if I seem real clueless

Thanks!

 

[Stryker]

If there is bacteria turning the ammonia into nitrites then into nitrates you should see some nitrates. Those readings suggest there is no bacteria there like its a new tank.

You should worry about amonia, your fish produce amonia, thats the whole reason why you need the bacteria there to break it down. I'd suggest you read a few of the FAQs on this forum.

 

[Elisabeth83]

No there is NitrAtes....I read the test strip wrong. I posted the results after the test strip had been sitting for about 5 mins but I realize now that I should of posted the results after just 30 seconds and after 30 seconds the results were:

NitrAte 15-20
NitrIte 0
GH 5
KH 10-17
PH around 7.5-8.0

Well I went to Swedens largest aquarium store today who only specializes in fish and was told that I really don't have to worry about Ammonia?

I really don't think I have an ammonia problem...I am not overcrowded, Do regular water changes and don't overfeed. I gravel vac once a week as well.

I've read up on my results now and I believe they are pretty close to perfect?

I have had my tank up and running for 3 months now.