Question: If no testing kit yet, what should I do?

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I didn't realize how necessary a water testing kit was at first, and am trying to convince my parents to buy one (hopefully a bigger tank too), so I was wondering what to do in the meantime?
I got Marlon from my best friend who had to move away, some nice old man won him from a crane game for her (yeah, but I guess the arcades take good care of them, it's still wrong I think.)
and they had him for I think 4 or 5 years. They gave him to me in july.
I live in japan and so far I haven't seen anything that looks like a testing kit here, will look harder though. I may have to order one since I can't read japanese well which will take a bit to arrive.

Right now in my 10 gallon tank, I have a waterfall type filter which uses a bio bag? I change about 30-40% of the water every week, picking up residue with a siphon. I make sure Marlon eats all his little pellets and doesn't leave any behind.
I also have a plant (Anacharis) which is growing pretty well since I had to cut it after having it for maybe two weeks.

Is this all fine for making sure the ammonia and nitrate levels are low, even if I can't test it for sure until I get a kit?
 
Couple questions..
Are you treating your water with a water conditioner to remove any chorine, chloramines and heavy metals?
Is your tank fully cycled?


If the answer is yes to both questions.
Do 30% water changes twice a week until your kit gets in
If the tank isn't cycled, to 30-40% water changes daily until your kit gets in.
How often are you feeding?
Slow down on feeding during your cycling of the tank. Less bio load, less waist, less stress. I don't think anything but Goldfish enjoy swimming in poop lol

But it sounds like the tank may be cycled since you've had it since July.

I live in the U.S., but often buy things from JP for my shrimp tanks as well as top quality art supplies.
you can usually find translations online for certain imported products. Japan has some fabulous aquatic supplies, and are Huge in Aquascaping. I have been on fish forums talking to people from Japan. Try monster fish keepers and post a question in the forum. You'll should get the info you need on finding a test kit locally :)


Until you can test your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
I would do 2 water changes a week, if your worried, I don't think three water changes will hurt anything. Just make the water changes a little smaller

Just don't do what my brother did while he was caring for my Lotls..
1-2 water change a month and lord knows at what %.... I'm pretty sure he did a 75% water change the day before I got home..... My guys are now skinny and the ones that had amazing gills, are now considerably shorter. Btw, frequent water chAnges are good for gill growth :). Just food for thought :)
Too high ammonia, and the gills start to burn and shrink....

Another thought, look on eBay. I've bought moss balls from Japan. Contact a seller that is located in Japan. Everyone is eager to make money these days, I'm certain you'll find a seller who will help :)

If you want, I can look too :)





_________________________________________________________
When asked: Why?
Because I couldn't stop at just one dammit!!!
 
Yes I do dechlorinate my water before putting it in. The previous owners gave me their tank with everything in it, so I'm pretty certain that the tank is cycled.

Hmm now that I think about it, the aquarium sections here are well stocked with a variety of creatures and supplies. I've probably been overlooking the testing kits aha, I'll ask a shop worker next time.

I'll be doing more water changes for the time being. Marlon's gills are very small, my friend says they were always like that but ever since I got him I feel like they have slowly been getting a little bigger!
Thank you for the reply by the way! I'll look into the other sites if I can't find the right testing kit.
 
Update:
Unfortunately I cannot order the API testing kit that tests ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite from ebay or amazon. And cannot find any available to japan. I went to a large fish store today (They even had a cute chubby cat) and they only had the testing kits separately. I forgot what the chemical letters were for nitrate and nitrite so only bought the ammonia one.
Tested right when I got home and ammonia levels are at 0! Very cool store too, but they didn't have any axolotls. Eels and pufferfish and other strange creatures though. Ill post a couple pictures in a bit.
 
Here's some pictures! Sorry it doesn't really have to do with anything, I don't know where else I can post this really.. Just wanted to share!
 

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