How to test for Nitrates

[tbfoto]

My 20 gal. tank is doing pretty well.....I think. It's been two weeks since it cycled and I added my 6 very small (1/2"- 1 1/2" ) koi fry. Ammonia and Nitrites are both at 0. I did a 50% water change after the tank cycled then added my koi. I have not done a water change since. My test kit does not test Nitrates. With this small of fish load...should I worry about Nitrates? How do I test for it......just buy another kit?

[Lady Hobbs]

I wouldn't bother with it. With regular vac cleaning and water changes, your nitrates will stay in good shape. However, since you tank is newly cycled, you need to clean very cautiously. Just keep the top of the gravel cleaned up for now.

[jeffs99dime]

hello. nitrates will build up in the tank over time. i would advise getting a reliable test kit that tests for ph, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. aquarium A.P.I. makes a very good test kit. i also recommend downloading the free aquarium ebook located in the left margin of the forum.:ezpi_wink1:

[zackish]

Aren't koi the very huge goldfish?

[hungryhound]

Aren't koi the very huge goldfish?

If you call fish that can get 2 to 3 feet long huge than yeah :ezpi_wink1:


I would second the suggestion to get a liquid nitrate test kit. While you do not need it 90 percent of the time, it is handy to have in case of a sick fish/ crash to diagnose any problems. It is well worth the investment.

[tbfoto]

Aren't koi the very huge goldfish?

Well no they are not goldfish at all. They are related to the carp family......I have a 1200 gal pond in my back yard and when they spawned this year I pulled some of the eggs out and am trying to raise a few "babies".

My largest to date is about 18 inches. 3 years old.