How often do you test your water???

[ashtin49]

Not sure how often I should check mine. Weekly, monthly?

Thanks!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Ashtin49

IMHO, once your tank is cycled and your fish population is established, I don't think you have to do it very often at all.

Unless you add some new fish, the bacteria that is established will continue to work at consuming the waste products produced to keep things in balance. The addition of new fish, however, will increase the ammonia and until the bacteria multiply sufficently to handle it, it's a good idea to monitor it with water tests.

Having the test kits is a good thing. Whenever something seems wrong in your tank the first thing to do is check the water. You may gain some insight into a problem or potential problem.

As time goes by, you will find yourself relying less on the tests and more on your senses to manage your tank.



_________
P.S. I hope you don't mind if I make a suggestion to you. That would be to get a few more corys. They are schooling fish and your lone bronze will be less shy and more playful with some companions.

Here is a link I found interesting. It is about another great fish you have, the glass catfish:

http/www.animalnetwork.com/aquafish/prof...sp?RecordNo=474

 

[Beesboer]

I would suggest the following (I do it); test your water about 2hours after every water change. That way you know your water is safe and healthy. I test every second week when I do a 25% water change, and the week in between I do a 12% water change and only test the PH.

Hope this help.

 

[andyt_uk]

currently i test daily (when i remember) but that is because i have added a few fish over the past few weeks.
once i am happy everything is OK once a week or so, or whenever i think the fish look like something is wrong

 

[bobd_uk]

I test ph, gh and kh weekly, and nitrite and ammonia fortnightly.

If you add fish, check nitrite and ammonia every couple of days for a while. While the tank is settled, you need only do extra checks if it looks like something may be wrong.

 

[teknikz]

i test my water weekly just to be on the safe side......coz i think i was told that nitrites/nitrates run on a 10 day cycle so if i do it weekly i will either cath the beginning middle or end of it

 

[millym]

hello!
we test weekly for ammonia,nitrate,nitrite & pH + again inbetween if any fish are behaving a bit weird or are sick looking or we have any unexplained deaths!!!!
we just like to be sure its not us that are making the fishies ill!!

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Once an aquarium is established I only test the water when something looks amiss. If I add one or two fish I don't worry about it, but if I add a bunch at once I will certainly test regularly for the first while.

 

[FanOFish]

I bought an indicator that attaches to the side of the tank that monitors Ammonia. Other than that, I have never tested the water. When I first set up the tank I added some dechlorinator to the water as I do with every partial water change. I think if you have a good filter, don't overfeed, and don't over populate you'll be ok.

 

[Inchworm]

I bought an indicator that attaches to the side of the tank that monitors Ammonia.

Hi FanOFish

I've never heard of such a device, but it sounds like a great idea. Can you give me some more info about it? (Brand, cost, how it works?)

Thanks

 

[Phase2]

Never tested my water in 8 years....the fish are the best indicator...

 

[jaywings19]

I've never heard of such a device, but it sounds like a great idea. Can you give me some more info about it? (Brand, cost, how it works?)

Inch,

This is the suction "device" to monitor ammonia. I have one in my Eclipse 6 tank. It's very helpful to get a reading "at a glance" instead of whipping out the test tubes or dip sticks.

http/www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=...00&dept_id=%2D2

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Jaywings19

Thanks for the link. This does look like a handy thing, and the price is good, too.

I see by your signature that little Pinky didn't make it. I'm so sorry!

 

[rsz]

i only bought a test kit a few weeks ago, cos of an unexplained death . i'm only gonna test occasionally cos i reckon the kit costs way to much and i cant afford another in the future. ) my fish look happy anyway

 

[FanOFish]

Inch, that's the one I have in the picture on the link Jaywings sent you. It lasts from 6-12 months and then must be replaced. I keep mine next to the thermometer and can quickly monitor ammonia and temp.