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As noted, water quality is
one of the most important areas to focus upon when wishing to
successfully keep any species of fish or invert. If you keep the water
you house your fish in at the highest possible standard, you will not be
exposed to the majority of the problems that people encounter on a day
to day basis, such as disease outbreaks and losses. In order to achieve
this, it is important to monitor your water quality using accurate test
kits.
Test Kits can be found which
will measure all key areas related to aquarium husbandry. The use of pH
and General and Carbonate Hardness test kits will ensure that you can
monitor the level of acidity or alkalinity and hardness of your water,
enabling you to adjust the water should this be necessary to suit your
livestock.
By measuring Ammonia,
Nitrite and Nitrate, it is possible to check that you filtration system
has been fully cycled prior to adding your first livestock; and will
enable you to monitor your filtration system's performance. Any
increases in Ammonia or Nitrite indicates that there is not sufficient
filtration or that too much livestock has been added to the aquarium at
any one time, and an increase in Nitrate over time will indicate that
sufficient water changes are not being undertaken; or the source of
water already contains elevated levels of nitrate.
Other common tests includes,
Phosphates, Silicates and Iron; all of which can be associated with
specific problem areas such as algae blooms or loss of plants; and when
these areas are monitored measures can be taken to address any problem
areas.
By monitoring your
aquarium's water quality using accurate test kits, it is often possible
to address potential problems within your aquarium before any signs of
stress to your livestock; and stress will lead to disease outbreaks and
loss of fish. |
