How to Test Salt Water

The chemical balance of the water in a saltwater aquarium should be checked regularly. This will help ensure a healthy environment in which your fish and other aquatic pets will be happy and prosperous. Water testing is often ignored until something goes out of balance or undesirable algae appears. However, it is important to test the water in your aquarium often so you can make adjustments before problems occur. This will help prevent your fish from becoming infected with parasites or other diseases. Saltwater testing kits are available at pet stores and fish stores.

Things You'll Need

  • Saltwater aquarium testing kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test the phosphate level once a week. Phosphates primarily come from fish food. Ideal phosphate levels are 0.05 parts per million (ppm) or less.

    • 2

      Measure the level of alkalinity once a week. The reading should be between 175 ppm and 360 ppm depending on the nature of your tank. A reef tank needs higher alkalinity than a simple seawater tank.

    • 3

      Test the nitrate level once a week. As a general rule, the nitrate level should be below 20 ppm.

    • 4

      Determine nitrite and ammonia levels once every two to three weeks. (Also test nitrite levels every time a new fish is added to your tank.) Nitrite and ammonia levels should both read 0. Overfeeding is one of the common causes of deadly nitrite and ammonia buildup.

    • 5

      Test the pH level a few times a week. It may take several months for the pH level in an aquarium to stabilize. After the aquarium has become stabilized, you can check pH level once every week. The pH reading should average between 8.3 and 8.4.

    • 6

      Check the calcium content every three weeks. Calcium should be between 350 ppm and 450 ppm.