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What are the signs of good water quality?

I want to add fish to my freshwater aquarium, and I want to make sure they have the least chance of dying.

Joanne C
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Don Larynx
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2 Answers2

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  • Check your water parameters, it should have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite. Some nitrate presence is not lethal as long as it's within the limit.
  • Match the pH and temperature depending on the species you plan to put it.
  • Water should not be cloudy.
  • There should not be any bio-film forming on top of the aquarium. In case it forms, increase surface agitation.
  • Make sure your tank has enough filtration to support the bio-load.
  • Tank decoration should match the requirement of the species. Some prefer less open area and more hiding place, some prefer the opposite. Some prefer plants, some prefer rock, some prefer a piece of wood.
lila
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fahad.hasan
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Some signs of good water quality:

  • The normal pH levels of 6.5-7.5;

  • The normal temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius;

  • no ammonia, nitrite or nitrates present;

  • algae present in small, controlled quantities.

lila
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Don Larynx
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    I think the first two points are totally species dependent. Some species prefer higher pH, some lower. Some prefers low temperature, some higher. – fahad.hasan Nov 21 '13 at 09:50
  • Point me out a fish that prefers <6 or >8 pH. – Don Larynx Nov 25 '13 at 23:30
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    Most african cichlids prefers pH >8... fishes from amazon basin prefers pH <6. But thats not the point, 6-8 is a big range, having a pH anywhere in between does not mean your fishes are happy. – fahad.hasan Nov 27 '13 at 06:54