Water testing - what levels are okay and what levels should i strive for?

[DigitalSkin]

Okay, so i just tested my water levels in my tank. Its a new tank and has been running for a few weeks with a plec in to help it cycle. Anyway so like i said i tested it and got the following results:

PH 8
Nitrate 10-20 ppm
Nitrite 0.25-0.50 ppm
Amonia 0 ppm

I have no idea what these levels should be! Are these any good? What are good levels? And what are acceptible levels?

At the minute there is only a plec in the tank with my (baby) axies floating in a plastic tub in it to keep the temp stable!

Thanks!

 

[smily sam]

Okay, so i just tested my water levels in my tank. Its a new tank and has been running for a few weeks with a plec in to help it cycle. Anyway so like i said i tested it and got the following results:

PH 8
Nitrate 10-20 ppm
Nitrite 0.25-0.50 ppm
Amonia 0 ppm

I have no idea what these levels should be! Are these any good? What are good levels? And what are acceptible levels?

At the minute there is only a plec in the tank with my (baby) axies floating in a plastic tub in it to keep the temp stable!

Thanks!

Since your tank is new its still cycling, it will take a while for it to sort its self out you can speed up the process by adding filter media and substrate from a cycled tank. You are aiming for a pH of between 7 - 7.5.
Your Nitrate (NO3-) results are ok but you are really aiming for 0 - 10 mg/l.
Your Nitrite (NO2-) results are again ok but you are really aiming for 0 mg/l.
Your Amonia (NH3) results are fine.
Are you in a hard or soft water area?
If you are in a very soft water area your Carbonate hardness (KH) should be 0 - 49 mg/l (ppm)
if you are in a soft / medium water area your KH should be 50 - 149
if you are in a slightly hard water area your KH should be 150 - 199
if you are in a moderately hard water area your KH should be 200 - 300
if you are in a hard / very hard water area your KH should be 301 - 540.
Carbonate hardness (KH) is the amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the water.
Very soft water (50mg/l or less) has a limited 'buffering capacity', so the pH is more likely to fluctuate. Values over 50 mg/l are more stable: between 50 mg/l and 250 mg/l is the ideal range.
Whats your general hardness (GH)?
General hardness (GH) is the measurement of the total dissolved minerals in the water. Test kits normally measure the amount of both calcium and magnesium salts present.
Hope i've helped,
Sam :happy::wacko:

 

[carsona246]

Your shooting for less than 40 ppm's of nitrate. 0 ammonia/nitrite. Don't worry about ph, as long as it's stable its fine.

 

[dragonlady]

It looks like you are midway in your cycle. Your nitrites should be 0. Once your nitrites reach 0, you should do a partial (20%) water change to lower the nitrate levels and it should be ready for your axolotls...after you remove that pleco too of course.

Like Carson said, the pH is fine as long as it is stable. Axolotls can adjust to a wide range of pH naturally. You can do more harm than good if you attempt to adjust the pH artificially.

 

[DigitalSkin]

Thanks for the replys.

Not sure how to find out the other levels but i think i am in a hard water area due to the limescale in my kettle!!

And i will deff remove mh sucker fish!

Thanks for the replys! Now i know what the tests mean!!