Quote:
|
Originally Posted by gmd59
Perhaps I got bad advise, but my lfs said not to "screw around" with the PH, and as long as you do weekly water changes you shouldn't need to test for nitrates.
Gregg
|
Everyone at one point in their life will get some definitely bad advice from a lfs. Definitely get a test for the nitrates. Even though nitrates aren't as toxic as ammonia or nitrites eventually it will rise and become very toxic at some point.
I was doing at least 20% water changes every week in my 30G and I thought they were fine. I decided to test the water just to see how everything was and my nitrates were up to 40ppm or more, I have a hard time with reading the colors.
So even doing regular water changes it can climb. In my case I wasn't doing enough water, so about twice a week now I do about 20% water changes, which is much easier since I bought that no spill siphon thingy, a bit pricey but it cuts out the buckets and mess.
Good luck.... and you are definitely taking a step in the right direction coming here, ppl will give you some great advice!