General Care Discussion :: Water test acceptable readings

[Ryano]

Yes I was wonder what the acceptable readings for PH, Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are for my res in my 125 gallon aquarium. I'm using the API test kit and have no clue what the readings should be. Also for each one how do I lower it if needed? I know this is a long question but it would be great info to have.

[ljapa]

Ammonia and nitrite should be 0. If the tank has only been up for a few weeks, you are still cycling if they aren't. If it's been up longer there may be some other issue.

For nitrate, the lower the better, but there's a practical limit. I tried to stay under 20 before I made some changes that made that easy. I've hearted others suggest as high as 40, but never higher.

The only simple way to remove nitrate is water changes. Your bacteria convert ammonia and nitrite to nitrate. Water changes removes it.