Test Kits - how much to fill test tubes?

Hi,

Just wanted to double check. I have purchased new kits for Ammonia, Nitrite, PH and Nitrate. I have always filled the test tube to the middle line (just under half way) assuming this was correct. However, my new kit has some diagrams in it. It says test 5ml of water, but the diagram looks more like a full test tube.

Could this explain why I am forever getting high readings? Anyone confirm is it the bottom line or the top line you will with water before adding the chemicals?

 

Hi jetsetwilly76,
You do not say which brand of test kit?

If it’s an API test kit then the instructions are to add five ml.
A hypodermic syringe confirms this volume in this snapshot is five ml

 

Sorry, they are NT Labs
I give up!!!!

Ammonia still gone back up again 2.0

Nitrates 2.5

Nitrite 0.25

PH 7.3

I've removed dead leaves form plants plus some plants that looked rather woolly. Only feeding once a day, small amount. Water change every day. Still, the ammonia keeps going back to 2.0.

Should I change my filter, could this be anything to do with it? At a loss otherwise
If I upgrade my filter, how do I do this without losing all of the bacteria in my old filter?

 

Don’t change your filter. Not now , not ever.
Have you tested your tap water?

Please forgive a simple question? Do you always use conditioner/ de chlorinator on every change?

 

Yes, always use tap safe with every 10l I add. Tap water is fine, checked that first.

My filter is at the bottom end of my tank size, thought about upgrading to a bigger one. Not worth it then?

 

Sorry, they are NT Labs
I give up!!!!

NT Labs also requires to use 5ml of water for each test. I use their liquid test kit.

Requirements for each test:
-Five drops of each of the three ammonia reagents.
-Five drops of the nitrite reagent.
-Six drops of each of the two nitrate reagents (shake the first nitrate reagent bottle thoroughly!).
-Five drops of the pH reagent.
- Required drops for the KH and GH reagents will vary depending on the end reading.

If I upgrade my filter, how do I do this without losing all of the bacteria in my old filter?

Move all of the contents from the original filter to the new one. All of the sponges, ceramic rings etc.

 

What size is this tank? What filter are you running on it? Sometimes upgrading the filter does help. If the filter isn't pulling the water through the filter as well as it should the ammonia isn't being pulled through it fast enough so it just hangs around and builds up.

 

Yes, always use tap safe with every 10l I add. Tap water is fine, checked that first.

My filter is at the bottom end of my tank size, thought about upgrading to a bigger one. Not worth it then?

How about adding another filter if it's on the small side?

Was just about to add a bigger reply but mattgirl is on it! You're in good hands!

 

The tank is 90l, but the filter is only up to 80 something, so I don't fill the tank fully (80l)

Could I add a second more powerful filter, then after a few months, remove the old one?

 

The tank is 90l, but the filter is only up to 80 something, so I don't fill the tank fully (80l)

Could I add a second more powerful filter, then after a few months, remove the old one?

Yes, you could do that. Unfortunately filters are often over rated. I try to add a filter that is rated for a tank twice as big as the tank I am using it on. I know this is over kill but right now I am running a HOB filter on my 5.5 gallon tank rated for a 55 gallon tank. Fortunately I can turn down the flow. I needed to replace the filter on it but couldn't find a smaller HOB with good reviews. I already had this filter so decided to use it.

I do think you will start to see some forward movement of your cycle if you upgrade the filtration. You can never have too much filtration. Too much water movement is possible if it affects the fish but never too much filtration.

My filter is at the bottom end of my tank size, thought about upgrading to a bigger one. Not worth it then?

I shouldn't speak for Flyfisha but I think he though you were talking about replacing filter media. Adding more media or even another filter is good. We just don't want to remove/replace filter media.

 

Thanks, yes I aim to wash the filter in tank water every few weeks. When they need to be replaced, I only replace half at a time.

I'll buy a new filter then maybe remove the old one after a few months once the new one is established

 

When they need to be replaced, I only replace half at a time.

I don’t think filter media ever needs replacing. When media is removed, a huge proportion of the aquarium’s beneficial bacteria is removed along with it.

 

I don’t think filter media ever needs replacing. When media is removed, a huge proportion of the aquarium’s beneficial bacteria is removed along with it.

It actually depends on the filter media. Some folks still use the cartridges and they do wear out. Once a cycle is firmly established removing and replacing some of the media shouldn't affect the cycle. It is best not to replace all of it at the same time though.