Aquarium Test Kits & pH

What Dangers Lurk In the Water?

Your fish are regularly exposed to many compounds. The amount of concentration in these compounds greatly influences the effects on your fish. Below are the most common test parameters you need to be aware of:

Carbonate Hardness:

Low levels of carbonate and bicarbonate concentration may result in rapidly shifting pH levels. This increases stress levels among fish and makes them vulnerable to diseases. The quality of your plants may also suffer.

Ammonia:

Ammonia comes from several sources including fish waste, uneaten food and general decaying matter. High levels of ammonia may prevent your fish from breathing properly, while extremely low levels may stress fish.

Nitrate and Nitrite:

High levels of nitrite is usually caused by overfeeding, too many fish or poor biological filtration. This leads to interference with fish respiration. High levels of nitrite leave your fish susceptible to disease and reduction in overall water quality.

pH:

The right level of acidity is crucial to providing a healthy environment for your fish. The desired level for freshwater fish sits at 6.8 – 7.5, while saltwater fish need a pH range of 8.2 – 8.4. Our saltwater aquarium test kits provide you with instant readings to help you correct your aquarium’s pH levels.

Copper:

Copper is vital to treating your fish of parasitic infections. When the levels drop too low, the treatment become ineffective and leaves your fish exposed to parasites.

Calcium:

Calcium helps your invertebrates like corals, crustaceans, mollusks and encrusting algae grow and stay healthy.