Water Quality Testing Kit Usage Guide | Measuring pH, Ammonia, and Nitrate

In the keeping of aquatic animals, water quality management is one of the most important factors. To accurately understand invisible changes in water quality, the use of water quality testing kits is essential. However, if you do not understand what the values of test results mean or how to handle abnormal values, there is no point in testing. This article explains the basic usage of water quality testing kits and the meaning of each parameter.

Differences Between Liquid Reagents and Test Strips

Water quality testing kits are broadly divided into two types.

Liquid Reagents (Dropper Method)

• Advantages: High precision, able to detect fine changes in values
• Disadvantages: The procedure is somewhat complex, testing takes time (approximately 5-10 minutes)
• Best for: Regular water quality monitoring, precise testing when problems arise
• Representative brands: Test kits for aquariums are sold by various manufacturers

Test Strips (Dip Method)

• Advantages: Convenient and quick (results in about 1 minute), some types can measure multiple parameters simultaneously
• Disadvantages: Less accurate than liquid reagents, difficult to read subtle color differences
• Best for: Daily quick checks, water quality confirmation on the go
• Note: After opening, store away from moisture and use before the expiration date

Tips for Choosing

• Beginners should first purchase a set kit of liquid reagents
• Once familiar, use test strips for daily checks and liquid reagents when you need more detailed analysis
• Digital water quality meters are also available, but require periodic calibration

Measuring pH (Hydrogen Ion Concentration)

pH is the most basic aspect of water quality.

What is pH

• An indicator that shows the acidity or alkalinity of water, expressed as a value from 0 to 14
• pH 7.0 is neutral; below that is acidic, above is alkaline
• The ideal range for most freshwater fish is approximately pH 6.0-7.5
• Saltwater fish and corals are approximately pH 8.0-8.4

Measurement Method (For Liquid Reagents)

1. Pour the prescribed amount of aquarium water into a test tube for testing
2. Add the prescribed number of drops of reagent
3. Cap the test tube and shake several times to mix
4. Wait approximately 5 minutes, then compare with the included color chart and read the value

Handling Abnormal pH

• If pH is too low (leaning acidic): Perform a water change, add coral sand or oyster shells
• If pH is too high (leaning alkaline): Perform a water change, adjust using driftwood or substrate
• Sudden pH fluctuations cause significant stress to aquatic animals, so adjust gradually

Measuring Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate

Let's understand the three parameters involved in the nitrogen cycle.

Ammonia (NH3/NH4+)

• Released from animal waste and leftover food. Extremely toxic
• Detected during the initial setup of an aquarium or when filtration is insufficient
• Ideal value: 0 ppm (ideally undetectable)
• If detected: Immediately perform a water change, reduce the amount of food, check filtration capacity

Nitrite (NO2-)

• A substance created when ammonia is broken down by bacteria. Still toxic
• Temporarily rises during the initial setup of an aquarium (called "nitrite hell")
• Ideal value: 0 ppm (ideally undetectable)
• If detected: Perform water changes and wait for beneficial bacteria to establish

Nitrate (NO3-)

• A substance created when nitrite is further broken down. Low toxicity but harmful when accumulated
• Concentration needs to be reduced through regular water changes
• Ideal value: 40 ppm or less for freshwater aquariums, 10 ppm or less for saltwater aquariums
• Aquatic plants absorb nitrate as a nutrient, so it accumulates less in planted aquariums

Frequency and Timing of Testing

It is important to test water quality at an appropriate frequency.

Regular Testing

• Established aquarium: approximately once a week
• Newly established aquarium: once every 1-2 days
• Before and after water change: Test before the change and confirm the changes after

When Temporary Testing is Needed

• When abnormal behavior is observed in animals (gasping at the surface, sitting still on the bottom, etc.)
• When water becomes cloudy or has an unusual odor
• Immediately after introducing new animals
• After adding medication
• After cleaning or replacing the filter

Recording Test Results

Recording water quality test results helps with early detection of problems.

Items to Record

• Date and time of measurement
• Values for pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate
• Water temperature
• Whether a water change was performed and the amount
• Special notes (addition of animals, medication administration, etc.)

Benefits of Keeping Records

• You can understand the trend of water quality changes
• It becomes easier to identify the cause when problems occur
• You can provide accurate information when consulting with a veterinarian or breeder

Start Keeping Aquatic Animals with BreederDirect

With BreederDirect, you can purchase aquatic animals directly from breeders who are knowledgeable about their care. You can also consult with breeders about water quality management tips and the appropriate water quality parameters for your animals, so you can start keeping them with confidence. Maintain a beautiful aquarium environment through proper water quality management.

Common Mistakes and Their Solutions

The accuracy of testing depends more on procedure than on equipment.

Mistake 1: Inconsistent lighting when reading colors Under warm-toned lighting or by a window in the evening, the same color appears different. Always read values on white paper under natural light or neutral white light, using consistent conditions each time.

Mistake 2: Inconsistent water sampling location Values differ between the bottom layer and surface, and near the filter outlet. Simply fixing the water sampling location and time will greatly reduce variation in readings.

Mistake 3: Checking only pH without measuring ammonia While pH is easy to understand, ammonia and nitrite are what directly affect animals. During startup and when problems arise, always measure these two parameters together.