| Tasks like tank cleanings and temperature checks are | | | | Nitrite - Nitrites appear after bacteria breaks down |
| important for keeping your freshwater aquarium | | | | ammonia. Soaring nitrite levels are common during the |
| clean. Maintenance equals a healthy environment for | | | | original nitrogen cycle, however, that level decreases |
| freshwater aquariums. | | | | once the biological system in your aquarium stabilizes. |
| But did you know monitoring the water balance in | | | | When you test for nitrites, an optimal result would be |
| your freshwater aquarium also plays a vital role in the | | | | 0ppm. If you notice an unusually high level of nitrites, |
| well-being of your fish? If you use tap water to fill | | | | you need to systematically change the water in your |
| your aquarium, you will need to understand what | | | | aquarium. |
| types of substances and minerals are in your water | | | | Nitrates - If you find it difficult to get rid of algae |
| and whether they will harm your fish or not. There | | | | from your aquarium, nitrates might be to blame. One |
| are several basic things you will want to test for: | | | | common symptom of aquariums with too many |
| Ammonia - Ammonia is what starts the nitrogen | | | | nitrates is an excessive growth of algae. You may |
| cycle and it is common to find it in new tanks. In | | | | also observe cloudy water in your aquarium if high |
| fact, the very reason many experts recommend the | | | | levels of nitrates are present. When testing your |
| hardy starter fish like goldfish is that they can start | | | | aquarium's water for nitrates, an ideal result would be |
| the nitrogen cycle and survive it. However, too much | | | | 20-40ppm. |
| exposure to ammonia long-term will kill even the | | | | Phosphate - Equally responsible for excessive algae |
| hardiest of fish, which is why it's so important to test | | | | growth is phosphate. This chemical is not harmful to |
| for this chemical. Potential causes of high levels of | | | | fish however the excessive algae growth can cause |
| ammonia are stale water (ie skipping weekly water | | | | healthy water to become unhealthy for your pets. |
| changes), an overcrowded tank, or dirty filters.pH - | | | | When testing for phosphate, a good goal to shoot |
| When it comes to chemicals, pH is a major cause of | | | | for is 0.05 pmm or lower. |
| fish illness and death. Ideally, the pH level in your | | | | While this might sound overwhelming, relax. Many pet |
| aquarium's water would stay around 7.0. | | | | stores sell fish kits and will explain how to use their |
| Unfortunately, sudden fluctuations as small as 0.2 can | | | | test, when to test for these chemicals, the best way |
| cause fish to die. Your goal then is to maintain a pH | | | | to keep a record of the results, and how to treat |
| level of 6.6 to 7.8. Be sure to test your water's pH | | | | unsafe levels. |
| level once a month. | | | | |