Fish-Only Tank Test Kit Recommendations Chart
Compiled by Debbie and Stan Hauter
| Test
LR=Low Range |
Test
Frequency |
Acceptable
Range |
| pH | Several times
a week,
if not daily. |
7.8-8.2
(8.0 is a good mid point.) |
| LR Ammonia
(NH³ NH³+4) |
Daily during
tank
cycling; once every 2-3 weeks thereafter. |
0.0 ppm |
| LR Nitrite
(NO²) |
Daily during
tank
cycling; once every 2-3 weeks thereafter. |
0.0-0.01 ppm |
| LR Nitrate
(NO³-) |
Once per week.
Note: If test is for Nitrate Nitrogen (N or NO³-N), multiply reading by 4.4 to get Nitrate (NO³-) ionic results. |
An immeasurable
amount is optimal! 10-20 ppm is acceptable with up to 40-60 ppm ok, but strongly not advised. |
| Specific
Gravity (Salinity) |
Weekly | 1.020-1.023 |
| Temperature | Daily | 75°-80°F
(24°-27°C),
with 77°F (25°C) being a good mid point. |
| Copper
|
If used for
parasite
control, daily. |
0.15-0.25
ppm
(If below 0.15 ppm, it is not effective!) |
| Other Optional
Fish-Only Tank Tests |
-General Hardness
(GH) -Carbonate Hardness (KH) -Alkalinity -Dissolved Oxygen |
Refer to individual
test kit directions, and below chart
reference resources. |
and nitrite tests every other day for a week, and anytime
after adding new fish or other marine life to your tank.
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