The internet says it is very important but I have not had any problems. Plus each testing thing is like 15-25 each.
2006-07-21 15:31:40 · 4 answers · asked by GroundZERO 63 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
testing your water is very important for both fresh and salt water tanks. really 20 usd isn't that much money, even more so if u have a salt water tank.
Saltwater is very important based on numbers. it is important to keep your ph in a range that your fishes can handle. also nitrates and nitrites can lead to stressed fishes and high ammonia levels. on an established tank both should be a 0, and if a spike than you have a problem.
2006-07-21 16:10:41 · answer #1 · answered by ballerina_kim 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you are setting up a tank you do need to check your levels to see where your cycle is.
In my experience, once you have an established tank, the main testing you will need are for salinity - you need a hydrometer - and a calcium test. If your Ca is corect then your pH will be.
some people test weekly for Nitrates, Nitrites, Phosphorus, Iodine, and a whole plethora of other chemicals. Really your weekly water changes and using a good salt mix like Instant Ocean will keep the trace minerals proper.
It is nice to have Nitrate, Nitrite and Ammonia tests on hand in case you start getting an algae bloom you can do a quick check on these.
2006-07-22 03:26:34 · answer #2 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're going to be spending all that time and effort into the tank, I'd imagine you'd at least want them to be healthy. That being said, it's VERY important.
FYI - If you have a PetSmart near you, they will price-match their online prices. And a Saltwater Master Kit costs $15.99. The kit contains your pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate tests.
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441775173&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030149&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1153544350366&itemNo=1&Ntt=master+kit&In=All&previousText=master+kit&N=2
Print out ad from the above link and take it to the PetSmart nearest you. It costs close to $32 in the store without the ad, so make sure you don't forget to take it with you.
Ammonia and nitrites should be at 0ppm, and nitrates should be at less than 40ppm (though less than 20ppm is ideal). Your pH depends on the species of your fish.
Good luck.
2006-07-21 18:02:18 · answer #3 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive had my salt water tank for twenty years and i have never checked the ph and ive had no problems
2006-07-22 11:32:41 · answer #4 · answered by ChelZ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋