Levels for water testing

[tori-ann]

could someone do me a fav tell me the levels need to be when do full water test i mean testing on everything in the water getting a new tester kit that does everything even hardness of water need the info thanks

 

[cynthia]

Ammonia should be zero
nitrite should be zero
nitrate should be fairly low
ph preferably not below 6.5

Is that what you were asking for?

 

[tori-ann]

yes thanks

 

[claire]

what would be too high for nitrite levels???

 

[cynthia]

Claire - Nitrite should be at zero. Nitrite is nearly as dangerous as ammonia.


Nitrate should be as low as possible below 10ppm is ideal because nitrate though not especially toxic at low levels it does promote algae growth.

Here is a brief article on nitrate:
http://freshaquarium.about.com/od/watercare/a/nitrates.htm

here is a brief article on nitrite:
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/nitritepoison.htm

 

[claire]

oops sorry i meant nitrate.lol.i get them 2 muddled up. but you answered it anyways. thanks .mine is usually 10 or 25 ish. its got up2 50 once but i test the water just before a water change so its okies.

thanks again.