Water testing an established tank.....

[CraigMac]

After cycling and getting 0 ammonia and nitrite, do you continue testing them or do you only test nitrate moving forward knowing you have bb taking care of the others?

I've been testing all 3 but seems to be a waste since I get zeros every time on the two. Should I only test them once every couple months or if I suspect an isse?

 

[reefdiver]

I do it if I have issues. But I also do large water changes weekly. It would also depend on you stocking if it's heavy I would do it once a month.

 

[jlk]

Daily checks are not necessary once your tank is cycled. Checks once a week (mainly nitrates) can be done but this is up to you & your water change schedule. If you are doing large pwcs (50+%) every week, testing nitrates really isnt even necessary. Anytime something different is done with the tank (new substrate, new fish, etc), i would check to make sure everything stays stable. If there any health issues that arise with your fish, a water check should be done first to rule water quality issues in or out. Happy fishkeeping!

 

[BBradbury]

Testing Tank Chemistry

After cycling and getting 0 ammonia and nitrite, do you continue testing them or do you only test nitrate moving forward knowing you have bb taking care of the others?

I've been testing all 3 but seems to be a waste since I get zeros every time on the two. Should I only test them once every couple months or if I suspect an isse?

Hello Craig...

When your tank is fully stocked and ammonia and nitrites maintain a "0" reading, then you only need to test periodically, use your judgement.

I tested the tank chemistry from time to time after my tanks cycled and have done large, weekly water changes for a long time. I no longer test the water in my tanks, because they're heavily planted and I do 60 to 70 percent water changes every week, so I always know the water condtions are stable.

B

 

[CraigMac]

Thanks all, this helps.