kaystar

How long after doing a WC should you wait before you can do an ammonia and nitrate tests?

Lucy

I wait about 24 hours unless there's a real problem.
I've checked the water right after to see if the levels have gone down but it's not an accurate indication on how your bacteria is maintaining the tank, only how much you decreased the levels.

kaystar

The ammonia had gone up to about 1 so i did a water change and tested it this morning it had goen down but was about 0.2 so i will do another water change tonight when i get home. I also added some Safe Water last night to help. Ive been looking around for a diffrent test kit as i use the strips are there ones that do the all the nesessary tests?

aquarist48

Good morning. What is most recommended on this site for testing your chemistry is the API (liquid) Master Test Kit. Much more accurate than the test strips. It contains all that you need.
I'm not familiar with Safe Water. Does it detox the ammonia? I use Amquel + and many others use Prime. If the Safe Water does in fact detox the ammonia then you should be safe for 24 hours until it's time for the next water change.
Best of luck and keep us posted.
Ken

kaystar

Ok i will have a look arounf for that test kit. Yes Safe Water detoxs the ammonia, it works in a simular way to Prime but i cant seem to find that ub UK shops. When i do a water change i use Safe Water, Stress Coat and Tap water conditioner i hope i am doing it right