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View Full Version : How to manage water conditions? pH, nitrite, nitrate, amm.

sweetmisery
06-15-2004, 11:43 AM
OK can you guys give a rundown on what should I do when the pH, alkalinity(this Im having problems finding a test kit), nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia? Like what if it gets high or low? What should I do? I know and I will probably buy those water conditioner for each, to boost, buff or keep them in line, but what other methods are there for each? Thanks!
Aquaman
06-15-2004, 01:40 PM
If you have a FO or FOWLR setup once the tank has made it through the first cycle you should not have to test so often. When I set up my system I was testing like everyday and only got frustrated cuz I wasn't seeing changes fast enough. Now I only test about every two weeks and I do a 3gallon water change per week on my 30g tank. If you have the correct setup your Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate should pretty much take care of itself. As for pH, In my short experience with saltwater tanks I have never had to adjust my pH. It has always been a constant 8.2
I think it gets a lot more complicated when you start dealing with reefs.
sweetmisery
06-15-2004, 01:49 PM
hmmm... thanks. Maybe Ill visit the reef alley in the near future, but as of when I get my salary very soon, Ill just go raise my XP first(sounds like a video game/RPG). Although I really want to try a reef aquarium. Seeing all the reef tanks of other members makes me wanna try...
Aquaman
06-15-2004, 02:58 PM
Well good luck, I can honestly say this is one of the best forums around. These people have been extremely helpful to me. I'm sure you'll have the same experience.
MikeS
06-15-2004, 06:40 PM
sweetmisery...do you have a specific water chemistry problem at the moment?

Water chemistry is pretty tricky IMO, each problem has a different solution, and some problems are tied into others..it's pretty complex (at least sometimes for me it is :D )

http://www.coralforum.com/reference57.html

read through this, it should help answer most of your questions...the rest we can deal with on a case by basis...

Mike
sweetmisery
06-16-2004, 01:31 PM
There is nothing wrong, in fact I am still yet to set up an aquarium sooner than later. I am just trying to get all info I can get, and all the questions in my mind answered regarding marine tanks.

Thanks for your help though...