Testing Water

[progman]

I have decided to get rid of those test strips I have been using and now switched to the liquid test kit, but the directions state that testing should be done on a weekly basis, but when? If I test the water before a 10 - 25% change, then the results are only applicable before the change. After I change the water, the results must differ as fresh water is being added - so, when should the water be tested? Is there any sort of guideline that can be used for testing?

I have a 10 gallon tank that has been cycled with fish, and fish have been added slowly. My tank is pretty well finished with 4 white skirt tetras, 1 ghost shrimp and 2 african dwarf frogs. Oh, a couple of live plants as well, but not sure their name.

Thanks!

 

[glolite]

Hi Progman, glad you've changed from test strips as they are not very accurate. If you are doing regular water changes weekly, then the results for ammonia, nitrite should be the same before and after water changes. This is because a cycled, stable tank should never have ammonia or nitrites in it, they should be consumed by beneficial bacteria. Try it out next time you water change. If there are ammonia or nitrites then water changes need to be done more frequently, but I bet they will be nil.