Biologist Heiko Blessin explains all the water tests that can be useful for marine aquarists and when to use them.
This way you can make sure that all the important water values in your marine aquarium are OK or if there is any need for action to correct any values that are developing in the wrong direction. The following water parameters are relevant for you:
- pH test: acidity of the water from 7.4 to 9.0
- O2 test: determination of the oxygen content
- KH test: pH stability of the water (carbonate hardness)
- PO4 test: determination of phosphate content (plant nutrient and cause of algae growth)
- NH4 / NH3 test: indication of non-toxic ammonium, determination of toxic ammonia via table
- NO2 test: determination of the nitrogen compound nitrite, which is toxic to fish
- NO3 test: determination of the nitrate content (cause of algae)
- Cu test: deadly heavy metal for invertebrates. Also important for adjusting the therapeutic dose of medicines
- SiO2 test: determination of silicates (silicic acid) as cause of diatoms
- Ca test: determination of calcium content in marine aquariums. Should be between 400 and 440 mg/l for healthy coral growth
- Mg-Ca test: determination of the magnesium and calcium content in marine aquariums. The magnesium content should be between 1200 and 1600 mg/l. When carrying out the test, first the Mg content is tested and then the Ca content. Then the value of the Ca content is subtracted from the Mg content. The result is the real Mg content of the water.
You can find all seawater tests as single tests or in test cases under: PROAQUATEST y RELLENOS .
Find out more about testing water in the Themeworld Aquarium: Test para el agua .
© 07.10.2022
