When Is The Best Time To Test Tank Parameters?

I've been testing my tank once a week, but recently learned that I ought to be doing more frequent water changes. So if I do a water change weekly, should I test my tank right before changing the water, right after (within a few hours) or some time after (a few days later)?

Thanks in advance!

 

I don't know if it is right or wrong, but this is what I do: I test before I do a water change so it gives me a good idea if I need to take out more than my normal 30-40%. I also do a test halfway during the week so I can double check to see if parameters are good and if I need to do an additional water change.

 

I test just before water changes or if any of the fish are acting strange

 

I test PH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, and KH before a water change, and test GH and KH and PH after water change. One day after water change, I test GH, KH and PH again to see if my buffer got GH and KH where I want.

 

I test PH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, and KH before a water change, and test GH and KH and PH after water change. One day after water change, I test GH, KH and PH again to see if my buffer got GH and KH where I want.

Do you have hard water where you live? I have hard water, but I've not found any products to combat this. It doesn't seem to affect the fish. (KH and pH are always fine, but GH is over 300ppm). Also, I don't test for ammonia, but my nitrates are generally low now that I've been doing more frequent water changes. Should I be testing ammonia anyway?

 

Yes, I would still test your ammonia still.

 

Do you have hard water where you live? I have hard water, but I've not found any products to combat this. It doesn't seem to affect the fish. (KH and pH are always fine, but GH is over 300ppm). Also, I don't test for ammonia, but my nitrates are generally low now that I've been doing more frequent water changes. Should I be testing ammonia anyway?

No, my water is too soft, and I'm trying to buffer it higher.

 

Great information I check before a water change

 

I do weekly water changes and I test my water before and after sometimes (if I have a problem), other than that I test it once a week