TEST KITS
AQUATICS SUPPLIES
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The most important thing to the fish in your aquarium (other than the temperature) is the water quality. It is important to test your tanks water checking all the values are correct and preventing any poor fish health. Do not wait for fish to die and then test your water - that's too late ! Prevention is better than cure.
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Test Kit |
RRP |
| PH (Freshwater) | £6.20 |
| PH (Saltwater) | £6.20 |
| Nitrite | £7.20 |
| Nitrate | £10.90 |
| Ammonia | £8.55 |
| General hardness | £6.20 |
| Oxygen | £6.20 |
| Laborett (contains a few kits in one) | £23.95 |
WHY TEST FOR PH ?
The PH value describes one of the most
important chemical properties od you aquarium water: the balance between acids
and bases. Water with a PH value of 7.0 is regarded as neutral; below this value
it is acid, above it is alkaline. Regular testing of the PH is very important
since all aquarium inhabitants are very sensitive to drastic and rapid changes
in the PH level.
PH levels can vary when the water is rarely changed and/or when a large part of
the water is changed.
Here's a little about the Ph scale which is measured from 1 - 14.
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The ideal Ph for Tropical fish is between 7.0 and 7.3
The ideal Ph for Coldwater and Pond fish is between 7.0 and 7.5
The ideal Ph for MARINE fish is between 8.3 and 8.4
If the water in your tank is too Acid then add ' Just Up '
If the water in you tank is too Alkaline then add ' Just Down '
To alter the Ph in ponds use ' Ph adjuster powder for ponds '
WHY TEST FOR NITRITES ?
Organic nitrogen containing materials such as fish waste, uneaten food and decomposing plants are broken down in different phases by special micro organisms. Total Ammonia is degraded to Nitrite and Finally Nitrate. High Nitrite measurements signal a disruption of the biological filtration system. Ideally, the Nitrite level should be 0 - 0.3 mg/l . If a high nitrite level is present for extended periods it can be dangerous for your fish. Weekly checks of your aquarium water are necessary so that a safe Nitrite level is not exceeded.
If Nitrites are found then you need to do the following things to remove them.
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First of all you need to do a quarter
water change. If you have a gravel cleaner then its best to use this whilst
changing the water - sucking all the muck out from the gravel. |
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Then you will need to add some good beneficial
bacteria to your tank like 'Mature Tank' or 'Safewater'. |
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Most importantly feed your fish very little every other day for a week. Many people are worried about this and think that there fish will starve this is not true, they will be fine. |
After a week test the nitrites again and you should
find that they have gone. The way this works is that by doing a water change you
are diluting the nitrites. The good beneficial bacteria you add next makes sure
your biological filter has a 100% bacterial growth and replaces any that might
of died off. Cutting down on the food keeps down the amount of fish waste until
the nitrites have gone. If they haven't gone after a week then start again with
the above.
WHY TEST FOR NITRATES ?
The Nitrate test allows the safe determination of the pollution of you aquarium water. The measured level of Nitrates indicates when and how much needs to be changed. Organic nitrogen containing material such as fish waste, uneaten food and decomposing plants are broken down in different phases by specialized micro organisms. Total Ammonia is degraded to Nitrite and Finally Nitrate. Nitrate is use as a nutrient by plants, however in quantities greater than 50mg/l it is increasingly harmful to your fish and promotes unsightly algae growth. If you would like to reduce them there are products that we sell to do this called 'Safewater' £3.99 and 'Polyfilter' £12.60.
WHY TEST FOR AMMONIA ?
Organic nitrogen containing material such as fish waste, uneaten food and decomposing plants are broken down in different phases by specialized micro organisms. Total Ammonia is degraded to Nitrite and Finally Nitrate. The most harmful nitrogen containing material in your aquarium is Ammonia (NH3) At a PH value above 7.0, increasing amounts of toxic Ammonia (NH3) will appear. At a PH value below 7.0, Ammonia is present as the non toxic Ammonium (NH4+). Total Ammonia (NH3/NH4+) in concentrations greater than 0.25 mg/l and if present for extended periods, is harmful to your fish and an indicator that your biological filtration is not working properly.
If high Ammonia reading s are found then you will need to do the following.
| Carry out a partial water change (20%) preferably
using a gravel cleaner to remove as much rubbish from the bottom of your
tank (like fish waste, decaying plants). |
| Clean your biological filter media in old aquarium
water to avoid destroying the good beneficial bacteria. |
| Add some more good beneficial bacteria like
'Bacterzyme', 'Mature Tank' or 'Safe Water' that we sell. This
organically breaks down pollutants and accelerates the breakdown of
Ammonia and Nitrites by activating the nitrifying bacteria in your filter.
Regular cleaning will prevent it from silting and clogging up. |
| Measure the PH level of your aquarium as the Ammonia
concentration increases if the PH is above 7.0 |
| If this is the case lower your PH with 'PH Down' that we sell. |
WHY TEST THE GENERAL HARDNESS ?
The General Hardness of the water is a measurement of the dissolved calcium and magnesium salts. These salts directly influence the metabolism of the fish, plants and micro organisms. Water with a high calcium and magnesium salt content is referred to as hard and with a low content as soft. Most freshwater fish will thrive at a General Hardness level between 6o - 16o dH.
WHY TEST FOR OXYGEN ?
Oxygen is vital for a healthy aquarium or pond. Fish and plants both require oxygen for respiration, just as we humans do ! Without it, just like us, they will die. In addition oxygen is required to sustain helpful bacteria in a biological filter and without adequate oxygen , serious water quality problems will result.
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POND FILTERS
Filters combined with ultra violet.Plus safety cut out units.
POND PUMPS
A good range from Lotus. Trident, Oase, Tetra,
POND SUPPLIES | POND PUMPS | POND LINERS | POND FILTERS | POND LIGHTING | POND FISH FOOD | GARDEN PONDS | OASE AQUAMAX POND PUMPS | POND PUMPS AND FILTERS | MARINE AQUARIUM SUPPLIES | PROTEIN SKIMMERS | MARINE FILTERS | MARINE AQUARIUM LIGHTING | REVERSE OSMOSIS | TMC V2 POWERBOX | TMC V2 VECTON | TMC AQUABEAM | TMC V2 REACT CALCIUM REACTORS | AQUARIUM SUPPLIES | AQUARIUM FILTERS | AQUARIUM FISH FOOD | JUWEL SPARES | JUWEL FILTER MEDIA | FISH CURES | AQUARIUM LIGHTING | BIORB AQUARIUMS | BIORB SPARES
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