How often do you H2O test?

I test mine about once a month sometimes even longer.

I don't even test mine anymore.

I know my weekly water changes keep nitrates in check... I am good.

I do 50% weekly whether I need it or not and never test unless the fish are acting strangely or I make changes to the tank (add fish, medicate, aquascape, etc.). I'd try to stay between 10ppm and 20ppm on the nitrates.

Do i have to bother with the NO2 and NH3 if my tank is fully cycled and nothing has gone wrong?

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No, only if you suspect a problem or are totally bored one day.

How about if im doing 10-25% water changes every week, should i bother testing the NH3 every week?

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Getting into a routine with water changes, etc reduces the need for testing, but keep in mind the fish will be growing, eating more, excreting more waste, so more heavily feeding the nitrogen cycle. What works at one point as far as water changes, may not 6 months later. Tesing for nitrate every 3 months or so isn't a bad idea just to be sure your change and buffering routine is still working for you.

I haven't tested my water in nearly two decades. Get into a routine, and stick with it. You should be able to tell when the water needs changing after a bit.

Fogelhund said:

I haven't tested my water in nearly two decades. Get into a routine, and stick with it. You should be able to tell when the water needs changing after a bit.

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Must say I follow this method as well. Did my first test recently, but only because I got a test kit for free so...I shall be doing a few with the new tank to get the Ph where I want it, but that's about all.

My tank has plenty of plants in it though, which I really do believe keeps everything in check. It wasn't until I looked at an Mbuna set-up I'd have even dreamed of NOT having plants in a tank. That's why I changed my mind on teh Mbunas and decided to go SA instead :fish:

I just tested my water for the first time yesterday. Fish were acting strange. Had been doing water changes, however nitrates were high atleast 50 ppm. If not higher. Did a 50 percent water change today as well as 20 percent yesterday. Vacummed all the sand, did an extremely light feeding. Not feeding them tomorrow as well. Since it's a relatively new tank and overstocked at the moment I will test the water weekly until my levels are in check. Then I won't unless I notice something again

DJRansome said:

I do 50% weekly whether I need it or not and never test unless the fish are acting strangely or I make changes to the tank (add fish, medicate, aquascape, etc.). I'd try to stay between 10ppm and 20ppm on the nitrates.

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+1