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Water quality and water testing
It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of water quality
to fish health. Equally it is impossible to assess water quality by
simply looking. The only way that we can be assured that conditions are
right for fish is to regularly test for the important water parameters.
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pH
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test every
week - more frequently if the system has been disturbed or
medicated. The time of day when ponds are tested is important
because of the effects of photosynthesis |
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ammonia
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test every
week - more frequently if the system has been disturbed or
medicated |
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nitrite (NO2-)
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test every
week - more frequently if the system has been disturbed or
medicated |
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nitrate (NO3-)
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once monthly
in freshwater. every week with marines, corals and invertebrates |
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general and alkaline hardness
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once monthly |
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salinity
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weekly in
marine tanks |
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ORP (redox)
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optional in
fresh and marine - of more use in marine tanks |
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conductivity
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optional |
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copper
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necessary
when copper treatments are used |
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phosphate
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optional -
but used in conjunction with nitrate testing it gives an
measurement of background pollution. fresh water & marine |
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organic
pollution
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Monthly.
email TMC for details
mailto:tmc@tmc-ltd.co.uk |
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dissolved oxygen
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use when
water temperatures increase. It is important to try and take a
sample from within or under the filter media if possible, as
filter levels may be lower than in the pond. NT Labs have new
kit. email http://www.ntlabs.co.uk |
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Additional tests
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Other mineral
tests are available for marine. i.e. calcium etc. Go to
specialist dealer for information |
It is important to keep a record of water test results, as this will
highlight seasonal fluctuations and help pin-point water quality
problems in the event of disease outbreaks.
Water testing equipment is available in test kit form using either
liquid reagents or tablets. In general these are accurate enough for
hobbyists uses. Electronic equipment is more accurate, but more
expensive. It will also need constant re-calibration which can be
time-consuming. |
