pepetj

One of the water parameters easily overlooked is the REDOX/ORP (Oxydation Reduction Potential). It's a bit hard to explain for me but in opinion of some experts, this parameter is more important than pH.

If you are interested in screening for the REDOX status of your tank, consider performing the following easy test:

Materials Needed:
1) Disposable plastic container
2) Methylene Blue
3) Drop counter, pipette, or alike

Instructions:
1) Take a sample of water from your tank and place it in a disposable plastic container,
2) Place it in a well lit area (so you can see the "readings" better)
3) Add a few drops of Methylene Blue (as if dosing for a MB bath)

Results:
a) If you observe that the dark blue color dissipates (fades) even if just a bit, your tank's REDOX is likely healthy.
b) If it remains the same (dark blue) then it's not good.

If you are interested in reading more on this important parameter, here's my source of info:

http://www.americanaquariumproducts....Potential.html

The author is Carl Strohmeyer.

If you keep up a good maintenance routine, your tank is likely to be OK.

Hope this helps

Pepe
Santo Domingo