Monitoring Water Parameters

Consistent testing prevents unwelcome surprises. Invest in a reliable test kit that measures:

  • Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺)

  • Nitrite (NO₂⁻)

  • Nitrate (NO₃⁻)

  • pH (6.5–7.5 for most freshwater species)

  • General Hardness (GH) and Carbonate Hardness (KH) for stability

Test at least twice weekly during the cycle, then weekly for routine maintenance. Record results in a log to identify trends and catch issues early.


Stocking Your Aquarium Safely

Once your nitrogen cycle is stable, it’s time to add more fish. Adjusting for species and adult size. Consider these guidelines:

  • Introduce fish in small groups to prevent sudden bio-load increases.

  • Quarantine new arrivals in a separate tank for two weeks to screen for diseases. (In more serious cases)

  • Match species by water parameter preferences, temperament, and adult size. (Ensure you have

  • Avoid overfeeding; feed only what fish can consume in two minutes to reduce waste

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Cycling Your New Aquarium