Water Test for Saltwater Aquariums

Water quality is probably the most important factor for a healthy aquarium. Different parameters can be determined with a water test for saltwater aquariums.

Why do I need a water test for saltwater aquariums?

The water quality is crucial for a healthy aquarium. Fish and corals are only healthy and growing if the values are correct. Especially in seawater it is important that you can Test and adjust settings. Especially with a new pool are the values unstable and must constantly checked and adjusted become. Otherwise, your pets will not feel well and algae will grow. Only if you know what is going on in your tank can you improve it.

Why do values constantly change?

There are several reasons for this. In the running-in phase, for example, you often have to deal with nitrite spike combat. Initially, the values fluctuate a lot. An increase in algae also changes the values. Once the pool is retracted, it becomes easier. But the Corals constantly consume trace elementsthat needs to be replenished. With each additional coral that grows or that you use, consumption increases. An adjustment is therefore always necessary.

Which water parameters are most important in a saltwater aquarium?

Keep an eye on the following 11 water parameters and check them regularly:

temperature
salinity (density)
KH – carbonate hardness
CA-Calcium
MG—Magnesium
NO2 – nitrites
NO3 – nitrate
PO4 – phosphate
SO—silicate
pH
NH3/4 – ammonium and ammonia

Optimal values depend on your stocking. A mixed tank requires different values than a pure stone coral tank. A pure soft coral tank, on the other hand, requires other values. It is best to seek professional advice to determine which values are optimal for your aquarium..

ICP-OES analysis

Some companies offer one Analysis via laboratories To. A water test for saltwater aquariums in the laboratory are very preciseu and many more water parameters are tested than you can test at home. For this you can Order a lab kit from specialty stores or online. The kit describes exactly how to do this. Collect the water sample according to the instructions and send it to the laboratory. You get the result by email or via the laboratory website. You will also receive tips and advice on how to fix the problem.

However, this variant of a water test for saltwater aquariums is very expensive in the long run, which is why the Droplet test for home recommended. Especially if you have problems in the pelvis and cannot find the cause, you should send an ISP-OES test for analysis.

Droplet test for home

These tests are easy to do and you don’t have to be a chemist to do it. But what exactly is a droplet test? The measurement is based on colors that change at a certain concentration. A certain color or a change in color intensity tells us what values result. Always work according to instructions, be precise, carefully count the number of drops and respect the waiting time exactly. If you must test with powder, watch out for domed or level measuring spoons. Take your time and don’t do it when you’re stressed. The more precision you work with, the more accurate your tests will be.

Here are two examples of my tests:
KH is determined by how many drops my test water turns from blue to pink. The first drop turns the water blue, now I count every drop I add until the water turns pink. The number of drops now gives the result of my KH value in the aquarium.
NO2 is tested on 3 different liquids, I need 5 drops of liquid A, then add 10 drops of liquid B. The glass is now rotated and needs to sit for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, add 4 drops of liquid C, shake briefly and the result is ready in 10 minutes. Then I can compare my result with the color scale. The measured value is the color that best matches my color in the test pot.

Advice: Also Time of day changes values. Do the best water test for saltwater aquariums always at the same time of day through.

Measure salinity and temperature

It is different when measuring salt content and temperature. These cannot be measured by droplet test.

There are 3 ways to measure salinity:

refractometer: For this you put a drop of sea water on the device and you can determine the measured value by looking through it.
spindle or hydrometer: Here you have a large container that you fill with your water, then put the spit in it. After a short leveling, you can read your result.
master gauge: You don’t even have to take water for this, you can measure directly in the pool and the device will show you the value.

The temperature we have enough classically via a thermometer measure. There are several types that are the most accurate indoor thermometer Or Thermometer with a sensor in the water.

advice

With the water test for saltwater aquariums, you naturally want the most accurate result possible, so don’t skimp on testing and buy brand name tests.
Make sure the tests are also suitable for seawater.
If the tests have expired, please renew.
Clean your accessories well, otherwise your next test could be wrong.
If you find a strange result, try again, maybe you made a mistake.
Always work carefully and take your time.
Lay out a towel or something similar, you might spill something.

You don’t have to be afraid of tests, it’s really easy and even fun.

Shaka Animal Studio, Jacky and Tobi. Jacky had been fascinated by reptiles for a long time. She has been raising reptiles of all kinds for more than 15 years, she is an animal caretaker and zootherapist by training. She has experience working in zoos and veterinarians. Tobi is a photographer and passionate about the animal world since his childhood. The underwater worlds are his heart, which he has ruled for many years. Over time, a private zoo has developed at home, which they lovingly care for every day and visit regularly. introduce youtube channel