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Originally Posted by Amba1027  Back again with more questions! My testing kit came today so I will post with the water parameters later. So questions about that: Are you supposed to do the pH and the high pH test? Is rising with water sufficient for cleaning out the test tubes?
We went to PetSmart a few days ago to get a better idea of what we wanted regarding tank size. We've settled on a 36 or 37 gallon. There were a couple of kits that were cheaper than just a tank by itself so we'll probably get one of those. The brands we were looking at are Topfin, Marineland, and Aqueon. I couldn't find any reviews on the kits themselves but the reviews on the Aqueon filters were not good. I'm having trouble finding anything on the other brands so if anyone has any info or opinions on the quality of them I would appreciate it. We wouldn't mind buying a filter separate from the kit if none of them come with a good one. I was wondering about the AquaClear filters. I've seen mixed reviews on them. A lot of people think they are great but I've also seen that they break quite a bit. I also read on another thread here that you can just rinse out the media for the AquaClear instead of replacing it. Is this true? |
Which pH test depends upon the probable pH of your water. If you can find this out from your water supply people, it will point us in the right direction. They make low-range, high-range and "normal" pH test kits, and these will read different for the same water so it is better to know roughly what the pH "should" be.
And water will rinse out the tubes after the test. Don't let the test water remain in the tube after the test, rinse it as soon as you take the reading. A few rinses under the tap is fine. Before testing a tank, always rinse the tube in the tank water once. I do this in the tank, just submerse the tube to fill it, then pour it into the tank, then fill it to the level for he test.
I always prefer to buy my own filter and heater for a new tank. Petsmart sell tanks with a light fixture only, this is handy. Then you can select your own filter and heater, and get what is best for the tank.
Filtration should depend upon the intended fish, as different types of filters provide more or less water flow, and with some fish less filtration is better both for water flow and actual filtration such as if live plants are present.
Byron.
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