How To Maintain a Clean and Healthy Freshwater Aquarium


Part of the responsibility of having an aquarium is to properly monitor the condition of the water that is present in your aquarium. Nearly every problem associated with aquariums can be successfully detected and intercepted before it develops into a larger problem through timely and accurate water monitoring. The best way to achieve this is by using aquarium test kits.

Methods for Interpreting Water Condition Data

Test kits use one of three methods for displaying the results of the water tests. The most common method used is the color comparison method. This involves using a strip-like device to dip a reagent tip which will change color according to the conditions present in the water. This color is then compared to a color chart in order to analyze and interpret the results.

Another method for data interpretation in aquarium test kits is the titration method. This requires one to collect a predetermined amount of aquarium water and add the testing chemical to the water drop by drop. The number of drops required to initiate a predetermined color change indicates the results of the test.

A more modern method for reading water test readings is through the use of digital monitors. These devices get their readings from probes placed in the aquarium water and display them on a screen. Some of these devices can even be attached to sophisticated automated water filtration systems which can make the necessary adjustments to the water in order to achieve optimum conditions.

What Exactly Does One Test For?

There are different types of testing kits, each capable of detecting different anomalies in your aquarium