Water Testing?

[LaDell]

I am trying to find a dependable water testing kit that tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, chlorine: free and available, water hardness and perhaps dissolved oxygen. I have been trying to use an eXact meter, but do not trust the readings. I have been using a titration kit, but the first value on the ammonia is .25 which, in my mind, is too large a step for the first value. Any suggestions?

[Jon Parr]

DO is expensive to cipher, by any means. A relatively cheap method is titration, like this one:

http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/LaMotte_Dissolved_Oxygen_Test_Kit...

API freshwater master kit is the norm, and .25 ppm for the first value on the color chart is fine for fish.

http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater-Master-Test-Kit/dp/B000255NCI

I use NutraFin wide-range pH test kit, because the API kit separates high and low, and because they bottom out at 6.0, which is the pH I tend to strive for.

http://www.angelsplus.com/SuppliesWater.htm

Chlorine test strips are easy and cheap from spa stores

GH and KH kits are available at all pet stores, less than $10 for the pair, and very easy.

[George]

My system stays at .25 ammonia.  No change since cycling.  Nitrites are always zero, thus far.  Now in my system's 2nd year and PH tends to dive - I adjust daily or every other day, usually.  I run mine higher than Jon does - once down around 6, my fish don't feed as well.

 

[Alex Veidel]

I'm sure there was a good reason for saying that George, I just can't think of what it could be :) Sincerely curious as to what your point was.

George said:

My system stays at .25 ammonia.  No change since cycling.  Nitrites are always zero, thus far.  Now in my system's 2nd year and PH tends to dive - I adjust daily or every other day, usually.  I run mine higher than Jon does - once down around 6, my fish don't feed as well.

 

[George]

Here's a point - go jump in a lake.  

[Alex Veidel]

Lol, point taken. Of course, you're always welcome brag on your system. I read that post during my break at work and my brain was only half on, so I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss something important about the discussion :)

George said:

Here's a point - go jump in a lake.