water levels
water levels
hi i've been testing the levels of Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia and PH do i need to be testing for the levels of Gh and Kh as i dont currently have a meter to do so. The kit i have to test for the the above levels that i have been doing is with test tubes and liquid drops into them i was wondering also how effective are the paper strips that you just dip in, do they give accurate readings? thanks
- TwoTankAmin
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Test Strips are notoriously inaccurate. Stick with the liquids.
Re GH and KH- KH is really only an issue in terms of it being high enough to hold pH levels stable and is usually only a consideration when trying to changes one's pH. GH is not an issue in terms of matching it to fish needs. However, it is a factor in spawning. More appropriatedly it is TDS more than just GH which is involved, and it is the changes in TDS associated with dry and rainy seasons which are a spawning trigger.
Of course ammonia and nitrite should always be 0 and it is best to keep nitrates low, expecially where fry are concerned.
Re GH and KH- KH is really only an issue in terms of it being high enough to hold pH levels stable and is usually only a consideration when trying to changes one's pH. GH is not an issue in terms of matching it to fish needs. However, it is a factor in spawning. More appropriatedly it is TDS more than just GH which is involved, and it is the changes in TDS associated with dry and rainy seasons which are a spawning trigger.
Of course ammonia and nitrite should always be 0 and it is best to keep nitrates low, expecially where fry are concerned.
What makes the common person uncommon is common sense.