Water testing

[seattle77]

Hi again everyone! Question about testing the water........I have 2 really big LFS's near me and I swear I get the opposite answers every time!

I have a new tank, about a month old. My water tests all over the place. One store tells me that unless you have a reef (which I do not, I have FOWLR) don't worry about Nitrates, only worry about the Nitrites, Ammonia and PH. Other store tells me I have to test for all 4 things.

 

[ophiura]

The one that says you have to test for all 4 regardless, is correct. While nitrates are not as important a factor in a FOWLR, they are still important to know. High levels can certainly result in algae problems, and possibly in fish health issues if they are quite high.
However, I would also ask that they test alkalinity as well.

 

[moby]

Other store tells me I have to test for all 4 things.

For the health of your fish you should also monitor nitrates! High levels will stress the fish and leave them more prone to disease.
On an additional note be wary when taking advice blindly from any LFS. Good research and knowledge will make this a more enjoyable and less stressful hobby.
Moby

 

[seattle77]

And what about water changes? One is telling me to only do 10-15% and the other is telling me I need to do a 50% water change????

 

[dr. evil]

i do 5% weekly and all is well.

 

[ophiura]

Water changes...well, differences of opinion and based on size of tank, inhabitants, etc
I always told people to do 30% a month. Whether that was 10% basically every week, or a one time deal...get it done.
50% seems pretty steep, personally. But personal preference.

 

[seattle77]

The tank is 150 gallons...

 

[ophiura]

Well, depending on your situation, water quality, and types of fish....
But it would probably be easier to do a 10 - 15% w/c every two weeks (or breaking it down even further) than a 25% every two weeks

Some of this will come down to how the tank matures and ultimately to things like your nitrate levels.