Tasks like tank cleanings and temperature checks are important for keeping your freshwater aquarium clean.
Maintenance equals a healthy environment for freshwater aquariums.
But did you know monitoring the water balance in your freshwater aquarium also plays a vital role in the well-being of your fish? If you use tap water to fill your aquarium, you will need to understand what types of substances and minerals are in your water and whether they will harm your fish or not.
There are several basic things you will want to test for: Ammonia - Ammonia is what starts the nitrogen cycle and it is common to find it in new tanks.
In fact, the very reason many experts recommend the hardy starter fish like goldfish is that they can start the nitrogen cycle and survive it.
However, too much exposure to ammonia long-term will kill even the hardiest of fish, which is why it's so important to test for this chemical.
Potential causes of high levels of ammonia are stale water (ie skipping weekly water changes), an overcrowded tank, or dirty filters.
pH - When it comes to chemicals, pH is a major cause of fish illness and death.
Ideally, the pH level in your aquarium's water would stay around 7.
0.
Unfortunately, sudden fluctuations as small as 0.
2 can cause fish to die.
Your goal then is to maintain a pH level of 6.
6 to 7.
8.
Be sure to test your water's pH level once a month.
Nitrite - Nitrites appear after bacteria breaks down ammonia.
Soaring nitrite levels are common during the original nitrogen cycle, however, that level decreases once the biological system in your aquarium stabilizes.
When you test for nitrites, an optimal result would be 0ppm.
If you notice an unusually high level of nitrites, you need to systematically change the water in your aquarium.
Nitrates - If you find it difficult to get rid of algae from your aquarium, nitrates might be to blame.
One common symptom of aquariums with too many nitrates is an excessive growth of algae.
You may also observe cloudy water in your aquarium if high levels of nitrates are present.
When testing your aquarium's water for nitrates, an ideal result would be 20-40ppm.
Phosphate - Equally responsible for excessive algae growth is phosphate.
This chemical is not harmful to fish however the excessive algae growth can cause healthy water to become unhealthy for your pets.
When testing for phosphate, a good goal to shoot for is 0.
05 pmm or lower.
While this might sound overwhelming, relax.
Many pet stores sell fish kits and will explain how to use their test, when to test for these chemicals, the best way to keep a record of the results, and how to treat unsafe levels.