Water test

[RFeldman]

Still new to this. Did my first water test today 60 ppm general hardness, 40 ppm Carbonate Hardness, pH 6.5, NO2- 1ppm, NO3- 40ppm. What does this mean?

 

[Old Scales]

Your figures seem to be pretty good except nitrates. try and keep below 30. Do 50% partial water change when it hits 30 or >. What is the size of your tank? How long has it been set up? What kind of filter? What fish do you have/plan on keeping? Browse through the threads here in AA and read. LOTS of info by knowledgable people. And keep asking questions & you'll be first rate. Welcome & Luck. OS.

 

[RFeldman]

Its a 75gal, been set up for a month, aqueon HOB for a 90 gal tank. 2 gauramis, 2 loaches, 2 crayfish, 3 angels, red tail cat, upside down cat, Cory cat, 2 pleco, 5 snails.

 

[Old Scales]

How often do you do a partial water change? Also how much do you change out each time? 33%, 50%, etc? Being 1 month old, it may not be completely cycled with nitrifying bacteria yet. Although the test values show its well on its way. OS

 

[RFeldman]

I have done 25% every week was planning on 40% every 2 weeks from here on out

 

[Old Scales]

Sounds like a plan! Keep us posted. Have you tested your tap water yet? That way you know what levels you are using as your base. OS

 

[RFeldman]

Tap water is 60ppm hard, 40ppm carbonate hardness, 7.0 pH, 0 NO2, 0 to 20 NO3

 

[Old Scales]

Pretty good tap water for fish. You're lucky. Go for it with your water. OS.

 

[RFeldman]

So is there anything I can add to bring NO3 levels down at all?

 

[Old Scales]

Not really anything you want to add to the water. Several companies make nitrogen absorbing pads you put in your filter. Research and decide on which one you want to try. Remember, if you have live plants, you want some nitrates. 10 to 20 ppm. OS.