[Rose663]

Hubby has been given a bag full of fish stuff from a work mate.
My intentions were to buy a test kit next week (have been battling ich so wanted that under control first) I've never used a test kit before! I had a jewel rio 125 about 5 years ago for about 18 months but gave up due to birth of first child. I never used a test kit then. So what I'm asking is, do I just dip the whole strip in the water for a few seconds and match the colour to the chart? And if I did that would someone b able to say if my water was ok please?
It's day 7 of ich treatment today so will b adding it later.
Thanks

 

[Rose663]

PH 8
KH 6
GH 16
No2 0
No3 100!!!!!!

 

[JDM]

First, I've no experience with the test strips.... get that out in the open first.

Second, they are apparently notorious for being incorrect BUT I expect that they are just off in accuracy as opposed to being totally wrong due to humidity in the air affecting the chemicals on the paper. By how much and in which direction, I don't know.

If your nitrates are actually 100 ppm then you need a substantial water change, 50%, which will still only bring them down to 50ppm. Test again tomorrow and change again if it still reads high. 10 - 20 is better but in your case, anything lower is a start.

If you've never tested before, then the strips are a step in the right direction. It would be best to use a liquid test kit (API Master test does ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH and there is a separate kit for hardness) but not critical.

Ich, from what I've read about it, usually comes about due to stress in the fish. The high nitrates may be involved and will need to be lowered in order to help the problem. Others may have better advice than this.

Oh, you should post this in the aquarium section as there is more traffic over there and you will get a better response.

Jeff.

 

[Rose663]

Thanks Jeff, they were given to me so thought I'd give them a whirl. I have done a 50% water change after that reading and cleaned the filter in some tank water as that was a bit grotty too but will retest in the morning.

Wasn't sure where to post so will go there in future
Thank you

 

[JDM]

That's the best place to post most questions unless they are specifically plant related.

If your retest shows between 40 and 80 then perhaps the test strip is not too far off as it should go to half the original reading after that change.

I had some high nitrites this week, long story, but my liquid test kit showed 4 or 5 ppm which is top of the chart. After a 75% water change it tested 0.25 ppm. Obviously the first test was off, probably something I did but the point is that even a good test can be wrong and a really out to lunch reading needs to be double checked. Like you, I did the water change then retested, which was needed even if the proper reading was 1ppm.

Post some of your tank and fish particulars in your profile, that helps when you post a question as it can be glanced at to get a reference without you having to answer basic questions.

Jeff.

 

[Rose663]

Thanks ill get that done with the profile soon, newbie much lol
Posted via Mobile Device