Aquarium test kits, what they are used and their importance for freshwater and saltwater

It 's always better, how many different test kits, as you can afford it (as far as fresh water or salt

I prefer to buy my kits separately as most master test kits double check I do not need (high range and low pH range) and let me serve as KH and GH, or perhaps phosphate, calcium or redox

Here is a list of test kit freshwater, and are looking for in order of importance:

[1] test kit for ammonia, the ammonia is very toxic even atlow level should be maintained at or near 0. Ammonia test kits can not be seen between highly toxic ammonia (NH 4) and only slightly toxic ammonia (NH3). Products like the first, and Ammolock Amquel convert NH4 NH3, so your level of toxic ammonia test is not due to the use of these products. Ammonia (NH3) converts the values of pH higher ammonia levels so high as for each test are much more toxic at higher pH-NH4.

[2] KH & GH test kit, you'll notice, I putthat above a pH test kit, which hold due to the fact that a low kH a stable pH is almost impossible. And calcium (as tested in GH) is more important to the health of many fish hobbyists credit.

* To maintain a Cardinals KH & GH of about 60 ppm (2-3 dKH & GCH) for Discus, Rams, Amazon and other fish.

* A KH and GH of 80 -100 for tropical fish, including most Gouramis, Bettas, Angelfish, ect.

* A KH and GH of 100-200 for the goldfish,Molly, plating, Guppy, ect.

* A KH and GH of about 200 for African Rift Lake cichlids and brackish water fish like monos and feces.

"Hold calcium, magnesium and KH in the aquarium, how to make a good KH, why calcium and electrolytes are important: For more information about calcium and magnesium, see my article.

[3] or Low Range High Range pH Test Kit, you should keep only one or the other for the type of aquarium you need.
Not being clear on StresspH, as well as many aquarists go by sea here! For example Discus generally done better than 6.5, but I know that breeders discus with a well of water with a pH above 7.0

I recommend a High Range Test Kit for goldfish and livebearers should have a pH of 7.5 to 7.8 specific. Rift Lake Cichlids African should have a pH above 8.0
I recommend a Low Range Test Kit for Freshwater Fish General Municipal (6.8 to 7.4) or Amazonian fish (under 6.8)

[4] nitrateTest Kit, this test is important to know when to change your water (along with KH), and how good your tank is generally long-term health. Nitrates are also show how well your plants consume nitrogen containing nutrients, and when the Aquarium really suck as the removal of sludge. Some filters, such as in particular under the gravel, and wet and dry vacuum can be nitrate factories if not treated properly.
For freshwater fish as a nitrate contentless than 40 ppm is incorrect or greater than 15 ppm of aquarium plants.

[4] for the nitrite test kit, you'll notice, I did not last because it is not important, only if a concern or review period of the budget is a factor, this parameter is often hours or levels of ammonia days. Nitrite should be at or near 0.

[5] Test Kit Phosphate, usually only necessary in planted aquariums, which adds a great deal of "ferts (manure) or when uncontrollable growth of algae. This testKit is often more important for ponds where rainwater can wash the residue with a high phosphate content in the pond.
Your aquarium (or pond), the phosphorus levels should be as close to 0 as possible.

[6] ORP meters, take the majority of these parameters of the water itself, on condition of livestock including Aquarium effective, regular water changes to keep pace with the ionized water rights, a value of GH and KH of 50 ppm (80 ppm I find better). That said, this is a good indicatorCheck if you have problems with Cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae), or if it is correct with outstanding issues and any additional testing (unless you have an unknown disease). I recommend every aquarist at least familiar with the redox potential, here is a more in depth article about Aquarium Redox is: "The redox potential in fish tanks (and ponds) and how it relates to proper aquatic health.

You methylene blue according to the standard dose used for your aquarium(Remove the water for this test), and there is a bright blue, you probably have a positive ORP. If the color all over (even if only slightly), you probably have a reduction of the number. This test does not replace the accuracy of the ORP meters, but it's an easy way to get a handle on health Redox your aquarium.
ORP your aquarium should be around -300 mV.

Seawater,

The list will remain similar, and I'll describe the Bypass with swim testKit

[1] ammonia test kit, which should be 0, as in FW

[2] KH test kit, you do not need a GH test kit for saltwater aquariums. KH (or alkalinity, as shown in aquariums) to about 240 ppm (13 dKH)

[3] PH High Range Test Kit, your pH should be between 8.2 to 8.4

[4] Hydro meter, the meter test the specific gravity of aquarium water (in simple terms, the amount of salts). There are two types, floating glass hydrometer, which are most vulnerable but also moreAccuracy or hydrometer simple needle which is filled with water. E 'with two types of hydrometer, rinse them with vinegar important (rinse well) for the accumulation of hard water, which then leads to avoid inaccurate readings.

[4], nitrate test kit, nitrates are best for aquariums, saltwater fish under 40 and under 20 (even less if possible) for reef aquariums

[5] calcium test kit, in place of the GH test kit for fresh water.
Calcium is important for allMarine life (including fresh water, as is often sad), but it is absolutely necessary for proper growth of corals in aquariums. Bio-availability is important, Sea Chem Reef Calcium polygluconate probably one of the best and most bio-available calcium for salt water aquariums.
The levels of calcium marine should be between 400-450 ppm

[6] nitrite test kit, which should be 0, as in FW

[7] Test Kit magnesium, magnesium is an essential elementPart of chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis, the plants, including algae and corals. Maintaining a correct magnesium concentration is very important and is indirectly responsible for the rapid growth of corals and calcareous algae due to the maintenance of calcium and alkalinity, and correct data as possible. Magnesium is algae and excessive use of hard water out. Magnesium is what binds calcium in solution when low levels of calcium are useful, arewell as up. wrong decisions by the buffer of the marine environment further on this issue the reason why I recommend Ocean Chem Marine Buffer to adjust alkalinity in saltwater aquariums (and even tanks of freshwater fish), as this magnesium product, added calcium and sodium bicarbonate in the right metric.
magnesium levels in marine aquariums should 1200-1400 ppm.

[8] ORP meters, such as fresh water, I suggest -300 mV, except for ORP is more important in marine environments.

[9]Test kit phosphate in fresh water should be as close to 0 High levels of phosphate in sea water tanks can play havoc with the health and growth of living corals (phosphates can block the absorption of important minerals)

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