I did about a 40% water change in my 10 gallon tank yesterday. The pH and ammonia levels were too high. How long do I have to wait before I can test the water again? I don't want to waste a few test strips if the water isn't ready.
2007-07-03 03:19:40 · 11 answers · asked by Willi 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Ammonia can be tested at any point and give an accurate reading. pH can and often does "bounce" and can take up to 24 hours to settle out completely. I would also suggest these things:
When you run out of test strips, invest in the liquid style tests. They are far more accurate and actually cheaper per test.
You mention the pH being too high. I would suggest that unless you are keeping very delicate fish, anything below 8.2 or so is just fine and you really shouldn't try to adjust it.
MM
2007-07-03 03:32:37 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Water changes won't do anything to your PH - your tap water is what it is. As MM mentioned, don't waste your money, time, or effort in changing this value. Those bottled chemicals in the store do NOT work, they only create an unstable environment. Don't even bother replacing your PH kit or it may encourage you to dangerously start playing chemist. Instead just concentrate on your Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate levels, since these are toxins fully under your control.
As far as ammonia goes you should test the water right away, to get an idea of what you've brought it down to, and then again in 24 hours so you can get an idea of how fast it's rising. For PH, it's good to let the water settle and run through your equipment for 12-24 hours to get an accurate reading.
2007-07-03 07:14:09 · answer #2 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wait for about 24 hours, and let everything balance out again before checking again. If the readings are still out of line, partial the tank again, but do about 20%. If you start doing anything over 40% water changes, you can disrupt the bacteria bed in your tank that helps keep things where they should be. It's like starting your tank all over again.
Keep checking and changing water every day until it's back where it should be.
To keep things in balance, do about a 10% change once a week, and keep regular tabs on your water. Also make sure you are using a good quality water conditioner on your new water.
2007-07-03 04:40:41 · answer #3 · answered by ruinrunner82 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about Ph right now, water changes will keep it holding. Test for ammonia and nitrite for now. ANY time it reads over 1ppm for either you should change 50-75% of the water. The water doesn't cycle its the bacteria establishing themselves in the filter that makes the cycle. Don't clean out the filter until you get zero readings for both ammonia and nitrite at the same time getting some reading for nitrate. When that happens the tank has cycled. Keep much of the green algae that grows on the glass and ornaments.
2007-07-03 04:09:52 · answer #4 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
after you changed 40 % of the water, the water should be good. i would do a water test after few days. instead of changing 40% of the water one time, i actually do a 2 times 20% water change per week. i change water every Wednesday and Saturday. i do a water test every Tuesday.
if you are checking on the PH only, why don't you get the liquid test tube kind? it's cheaper (only $2.39) for 225 test.
please see links below.
2007-07-03 03:38:14 · answer #5 · answered by Celes 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have a saltwater tank, and i know that they have plenty of chemicals you can add to the water to help regulate these levels. i would wait a few days, but the ammonia levels can be coming from the water you're using. i believe it can also be from fish dying in your tank...they release these chemicals. be careful when you do a water change, because it can sometimes hurt more than help depending on the water you're using. theres plenty of websites that offer advice on how to regulate these levels. i hope this helps...!
ps- getting the kit that has vials and testing drops tend to save a bit of money in the long run rather than the strips!
2007-07-03 03:34:22 · answer #6 · answered by Meg 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
if you just changed the water then you can test any time. if you want to wait an hour or so to make sure all the water turned over but not sure if that's necessary
2007-07-03 03:36:56 · answer #7 · answered by craig 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wait at least 2 weeks and see if the other fish continues to do well.
2016-05-17 07:29:27 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anytime you want to..It's doesn't affect the bilogical filtration!
2007-07-03 03:28:22 · answer #9 · answered by Chris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can check it any time.
2007-07-03 03:26:34 · answer #10 · answered by jdecorse25 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋