nintyfiveworlds

I was wondering if an oxygen test kit is needed for a freshwater plated aquarium.

mathas

I've never used one, nor do I see a need for one.

If you knew your dissolved oxygen levels, what would you do with that information?

nintyfiveworlds

I know with a planted aquarium the O2 levels can drop to levels that dont support fish. I think it is 2mg/l and I would use the kit to monitor how far it drops. I was just wondering if a kit is needed in this case.

mathas

In a planted aquarium with healthy plants, the process of photosynthesis should produce more oxygen than the plants use, resulting in a net gain. I'm not sure how oxygen levels would drop just because there are plants in the tank.

And any tank with surface movement (air stone, HOB filter, etc.) will have enough gas exchange via surface agitation for dangerously-low O2 levels to be a non-issue.

Either way, I wouldn't (and don't!) worry too much about it

Goldwing_Don

you can always use a airstone at night when the lights go out. use a auto timer on a air pump with a check valve....works great

nintyfiveworlds

If I do get a kit which is better salifert or tetra, or red sea for that matter?

aquarist48

Hello,
The test kit most recommended is API (liquid) Master Test Kit.
Ken

mathas

I've not heard many good things about any of the paper- or titration-based (which all three of those are) oxygen test kits. The most reliable home method of testing that I know of would be with a electronic meter/monitor, and those tend be relatively expensive... usually starting around $170 and going upwards from there.

Assuming nintyfiveworlds is talking about an oxygen test kit, API doesn't make one

nintyfiveworlds

Which test kit would be most accurate though?

mathas

I have no idea.

Knowing which is "most" accurate of the three would require someone to have all three and a valid reference point, such as readings from a calibrated oxygen monitor. I've never seen comparative results from someone who meets that criteria.