ok got a test kit today one that you add drops to in a vial,one for ammonia one for ph as far as i can tell ammonia is .25 and ph is 7.6 is it ok? do i need another type test for something else? also, this is still in the small tank.

you also need to test for Nitrite, and nitrate. Your ammonia is a bit high... But your PH is good!!

so how do i get the ammonia down to the right level?

lets see what the rest of your tests say, as we need the full picture. and then we will give you a plan of attack.

ok i am off to get nitrate and nitrite tests will that be all i need?

yes that will be perfect!

ok all petsmart had was strip tests all out of master kit tests i will get one asap know i will need it. ok test strip says that nitrate its between 20 and 40, nitrite is 0,total hardness is 300, wow never knew i had hard water!,alkalinity is 180,ph about 7.5 to 8.0. also bought some ammonia remover

When did you do last water change? I change 30% of my water every Saturday.
That usually keeps my water parameters in check.

last sunday was about 20 percent water change

btd71 wrote:


with a PH of 7.5 to 8 you want to keep ammonia at 0% as ammonia is more toxic in higher PH water. its good you used a ammonia remover/stabilizer. if you continue to have ammonia reading check you filters running ok. service/clean if needed.water change if necessary

the fact your KH is 180 means your PH should be stable. that's a good thing

marcus wrote:


you lost me here,kH reading 180.
My tap water kH is at 3, tank at 7.
Do the test you use differ from the ones we have here or is it a different interpretation/ scale?

its a litmus strip test thats all i can tell you