Water testing

[Green Baron]

For a planted tank, when and how frequent should I test for PH,KH, NO2,NO3, Ammonia?

[juggler]

So far I have never used NO2 and Ammonia test kits.

For kH, pH, NO3, PO4, I test them weekly during the first few weeks after tank setup to check if things are going OK. And I adjust my dosing accordingly. After that it becomes routine water change. No more testing unless something appears wrong.

[axel_wong]

Juggler, what brand of PO4 test kit are you using?

[Green Baron]

I test PH, KH after water change. I have never tested for NO2/3,PO4 and ammonia and is wondering if I should get any of these test kit ?

[Sleepy_lancs]

[quote:df001c7e0c="Gan CW"]I test PH, KH after water change. I have never tested for NO2/3,PO4 and ammonia and is wondering if I should get any of these test kit ?[/quote:df001c7e0c]

If you tank has been cycled. NO2 shouldn't need to be tested as long as you don't overload your tank with too much fishes. Ammonia would be a good to have kit but not necessary as it will be a good indicator as why your fishes are not doing well. PO4 is a must in all planted tank. You need to control this value.

[steve]

Hi guys,

wondered which brand u used for PO4, saw only JBL has it.
If i don't hv the test kit, can I just dose in the required ppm?

[Sleepy_lancs]

I use Sera. Most here uses AP.

You sure can. But you would be able to monitor how much of it to put in order to maintain the amount desired. The choice is yours.

[Green Baron]

[quote:b777f244f8="Sleepy_lancs"][quote:b777f244f8="Gan CW"]I test PH, KH after water change. I have never tested for NO2/3,PO4 and ammonia and is wondering if I should get any of these test kit ?[/quote:b777f244f8]

If you tank has been cycled. NO2 shouldn't need to be tested as long as you don't overload your tank with too much fishes. Ammonia would be a good to have kit but not necessary as it will be a good indicator as why your fishes are not doing well. PO4 is a must in all planted tank. You need to control this value.[/quote:b777f244f8]

Thanks for the advice. I don't have many fish in my 2 ft planted tank - 3 platy, 10 black tetra, 1 SAE, 5 Yamato.