Oxygen Level

[adamjs]

I'm just getting started with fishkeeping. I went out last week and bought a 20 gallon aquarium kit complete with heater and filter on a whim. After setting it up, running it for 2 days, and adding 3 zebra danios per the LFS employee's instructions I started to do my research, and probably would ahve done things differently if I knew then what I know now. As I patiently wait for my tank to cycle so I can add the fish I want, I have been reading as much as i can on tropcial fishkeeping. I bought a tester kit to allow me to test ph, amonia, nitrate and nitrite but I keep seeing people on this forum referring to oxygen level as another parameter. How does one go about testing oxygen levels and what should it be or is this a subjective criteria?

 

[WILDER]

Does the filter ripple the surface of the water, always best to add an airstone to the tank when cycling to increase aeration.

You can buy a test kit tetra do one for oxygen levels.
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...tp=122&rets=259

 

[@ombomb]

I've never really felt the need to test for O² levels. Are you worried about them specificly or is this just because you have seen it mentioned?

 

[adamjs]

Does the filter ripple the surface of the water, always best to add an airstone to the tank when cycling to increase aeration.

You can buy a test kit tetra do one for oxygen levels.
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/listsecti...tp=122&rets=259

Just because I've seen it mentioned.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi adamjs

In most cases, you will have plenty of oxygen if the water surface has any movement at all, and if you tank is not overstocked. There are certain circumstances that call for the addition of an airstone to increase the amount of oxygen. For example, if your house gets overly warm in the summer and the temperature of the tank water goes up too high, or if you are using medicine, especially if you are treating the fish for a bacterial infection.

 

[anvil63]

Watch your fish. They will tell you if they are oxygen starved. It is very obvious when most fish are "breathing hard" due to low oxygen. You will note the difference after you become accustomed to therir normal breathing.

Carl