One of the most common things we hear in the shop is, “My tank looks crystal clear, so the water must be fine.”
While we all love the look of a pristine aquarium, water clarity is actually a poor indicator of water quality. Some of the most dangerous toxins to fish—like Ammonia and Nitrite—are completely invisible to the naked eye.
At South West Tropical & Marine, we believe that a test kit is just as important as the filter or the heater. Here is a quick guide on what you should be looking for to keep your fish happy and healthy.
The “Big Three” You Need to Know
When you feed your fish, they produce waste. If left unchecked, this waste breaks down into toxins. Your filter’s job is to process these toxins, but you need to test to make sure it’s working correctly.
- Ammonia: This is the first byproduct of fish waste and uneaten food. It is highly toxic. Even a tiny amount can burn fish gills and cause stress. Your test result should always be zero.
- Nitrite: Beneficial bacteria in your filter turn Ammonia into Nitrite. Unfortunately, this is also toxic! A healthy, established tank should also have zero Nitrite.
- Nitrate: This is the final stage. It is much less toxic than the first two, but if it gets too high, it can stunt fish growth and cause algae blooms. We control this by doing regular water changes.
When Should You Test?
We recommend testing your water once a week, especially in the first few months of a new setup. You should also test immediately if:
- Your fish are gasping at the surface.
- The water looks cloudy or milky.
- You have recently added new livestock.
- You have treated the tank with medication.
Marine vs. Tropical
For our freshwater customers, the “Big Three” and pH are usually enough. However, if you are keeping a marine or reef tank, you will also need to keep a close eye on Salinity, Calcium, and Magnesium to keep those corals growing.
We Are Here to Help
Don’t let the chemistry scare you off! Modern test kits are simple to use and colour-coded.
If you are ever worried about your water quality, or just want a second opinion, pop down to our showroom in Westerleigh. We stock a full range of test kits for every budget, and our team is always happy to explain what the numbers mean for your specific setup.