test kit
- Thread starter fishfatty
- Start date
bang guy
Moderator
Originally Posted by FishFatty
what kind of test kit am i supposed to buy to test this:
pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, and salinity
PH - Most kits are fine. Drytab, Salifert, Red Sea, etc.
Ammonia - ditto - I really like the Salifert kits though.
Nitrite - I don't see much use in testing Nitrite.
Nitrate - Most kits are good with Nitrate.
Salinity - Buying a refractometer will be worthwhile.
what kind of test kit am i supposed to buy to test this:
pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates, and salinity
PH - Most kits are fine. Drytab, Salifert, Red Sea, etc.
Ammonia - ditto - I really like the Salifert kits though.
Nitrite - I don't see much use in testing Nitrite.
Nitrate - Most kits are good with Nitrate.
Salinity - Buying a refractometer will be worthwhile.
the_buzz_m
Member
Originally Posted by FishFatty
what is the importance of the salinity?? How do you raise or lower it?
I am by far not an expert, but this is how I handle the salinity.
First of, get the refractometer...much more accurate and easier readings than the hydrometer.
Your salinity should be around 1.026, which is what natural sea water is.
If your salinity is too low, then replace your evaporated water with salt water that has the proper salinity.
If it is too high, remove some salt water from the aquarium and replace with RO/DI water.
From my recent experiences(I just started mixing my own salt water) make sure you do this in small increments....for two reasons. One, you don't want to make sudden major changes. Two, you would be surprised how little salt is needed to up the salinity.
I hope this helps. Like I said, I am still a newbie. I have only been doing this for about 4-5 months. If anyone notices something I said as being incorrect, please let us know.
the_buzz_man
what is the importance of the salinity?? How do you raise or lower it?
I am by far not an expert, but this is how I handle the salinity.
First of, get the refractometer...much more accurate and easier readings than the hydrometer.
Your salinity should be around 1.026, which is what natural sea water is.
If your salinity is too low, then replace your evaporated water with salt water that has the proper salinity.
If it is too high, remove some salt water from the aquarium and replace with RO/DI water.
From my recent experiences(I just started mixing my own salt water) make sure you do this in small increments....for two reasons. One, you don't want to make sudden major changes. Two, you would be surprised how little salt is needed to up the salinity.
I hope this helps. Like I said, I am still a newbie. I have only been doing this for about 4-5 months. If anyone notices something I said as being incorrect, please let us know.
the_buzz_man