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 To maintain a healthy aquarium it is very important to monitor the water conditions. Using test kits can help detect problems and they can be corrected quickly. Test strip kits are easy but not as exact as the liquid kits, the tablet kits aren't as exact either.
Nitrogen Cycle - The nitrogen cycle is when ammonia (created from urea and decomposition) is turned into nitrites by nitrosomonas bacteria. Then the nitrites are converted to nitrates by nitrobacteria. All new aquariums go through the nitrogen cycle. It takes anywhere from 2 - 8 weeks.
Ammonia - This chemical is a result of fish waste and decomposing food in your aquarium. This can make your water cloudy and can result in fish loss. An ideal ammonia reading is 0 ppm.
Nitrite - The bacteria in your tank converts ammonia into nitrite. The nitrite level will be very high in a tank that hasn't been cycled, these are as toxic to your fish as ammonia and require a water change to quickly reduce these levels. An ideal nitrite level in an established tank is 0 ppm.
Nitrate - Nitrites are converted to nitrates during the nitrogen cycle. They are not as toxic as ammonia or nitrites but are harmful and will stress your fish if the levels are high enough. A partial water change is required to remove nitrates. An ideal nitrate reading is less than 20 ppm in freshwater and even less in saltwater.
Chloramine - A combination of chlorine and ammonia that is stronger than chlorine. This is harmful to your aquatic life and must be removed from you water, there are additives available to do this.
Chlorine - Chlorine is toxic to aquatic animals and must be removed from your water via a dechlorinator or aeration.
Copper - A heavy metal that can be very harmful to your aquatic lift. It can be found in your tap water, it can also come into your tank through copper based medications.
pH - pH is the measurement of the acidity or alkalinity in your water. A pH of 7 is neutral. Different fish can prefer slightly a different pH readings, so please read up on what your fish prefer.
Phosphate - Phosphate comes into your aquarium mainly through tap water, dead plants and fish food. Algae can occur from high levels of this, and there are additives available to remove phosphate. Keeping up with your tank maintenance and water changes will help avoid this.
Salinity - Salinity is the amount of dissolved salts in your water. You can measure this using a hydrometer. The average range of salinity in a marine aquarium is anywhere from 0.019 to 0.026.
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