TESTING
Water may look clear, but in an aquarium, it almost never means clean.
For PISCEAN, water testing isn’t just routine; it’s essential. It’s how we ensure your aquatic life is safe, healthy, and capable of thriving. We test water parameters to get an insight and understanding of your aquariums true health.
pH (Potential Hydrogen):
pH measures how acidic or alkaline your water is, and most fish have a narrow range they thrive in. Even small fluctuations can cause stress, cause breathign difficulty, weaken immune systems, or impact biological processes. A stable pH ensures your fish live comfortably and reduces stress.
Ammonia (NH₃):
Ammonia is a chemical waste produced by fish, decaying food, and organic matter. In a balanced system, beneficial bacteria break it down. But if levels spike, ammonias toxicity will take effect. The result can cause burns which will effect breathing efficiency and skin heamoraging, leading to illness or death. Detecting ammonia spikes early is critical.
Nitrite (NO₂):
Nitrite is the byproduct of ammonia breakdown. Like ammonia, it’s toxic—even in small amounts—and disrupts fish respiration. Regular testing ensures the nitrogen cycle is functioning properly and nitrite stays at safe, undetectable levels.
Nitrate (NO₃):
Nitrate is less harmful than ammonia or nitrite but builds up over time as the final stage of the nitrogen cycle. High nitrate will build in toxicity and is a key fertilising agent for algae growth. Regular and consistent water changes keep nitrate under control.
Phosphate (PO₄):
Phosphates often sneak in through food and untreated water. While low levels are natural, excess phosphate triggers algae blooms and can effect a fishes immunity. Keeping phosphates in check maintains clear water and healthy plants or corals.
GH (General Hardness):
GH measures the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water, which affects fish health and plant growth. Some species prefer soft water, others hard—it’s all about matching the environment to the needs of your livestock. There is a huge difference in mineral levels in water comparing Lake Tanganyika - Zambia and the Amazon River Basin - Brasil.
KH (Carbonate Hardness):
KH acts as a buffer, stabilizing pH and preventing sudden drops in acidity. A stable KH keeps pH consistent, which is crucial for fish health and biological stability, especially in aquariums with CO₂ injection or soft water or reef aquariums.
Calcium (Ca):
In saltwater and planted tanks, calcium is essential. Corals and invertebrates need it to build strong skeletons and shells, while aquatic plants use it for growth. Insufficient calcium can stunt development and weaken the health of these organisms. Calcium is also important (in much lower levels) for freshwater crustaceans - like shrimp.
Chlorine (Cl):
Chlorine and chloramines, often found in tap water, are deadly to fish and beneficial bacteria. Untreated chlorine burns gills, damages skin, and disrupts the biological filter. We will always dechlorinate water that enters your aquarium.
Salinity:
For saltwater tanks, salinity measures the concentration of dissolved salts. Consistency is key—fluctuations stress marine fish, corals, and invertebrates. Accurate salinity keeps your saltwater environment stable and life thriving.
Copper (Cu):
Copper can enter the water through pipes, medications, or contaminants. Even in tiny amounts, it’s toxic to fish, invertebrates, and corals. Testing ensures copper stays undetectable, particularly in sensitive reef tanks and freshwater intvertibrates.
Each of these parameters works together to create balance. When even one drifts out of range, the entire ecosystem feels it. At Piscean Aquarium Services, we test, monitor, and adjust these levels to ensure your tank remains a stable, thriving environment for all its inhabitants.
No other aquariums service provides testing this consistently and accurately. The reward? A healthy thriving aquarium that feels alive, looks pristine, and radiates the calming energy it’s meant to bring into your space.
