becca9985 asked:


I have liquid and strips that I use, sometimes using both just to compare readings. In the case of my pH, my strips say it is at 6.4, whereas my liquid test says it’s closer to 7.8. How can they be that different? I would take it to my pet store, but they use the same strips that I do.
My other concern is that last night, with the exception of my pH, everything was at zero. Ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. They had all been a little above zero, but that’s expected since I had recently introduced a betta. Now they show they are all at zero, even the nitrate. I think I did something wrong in testing. Is it a good thing or a bad thing when they all drop to zero? Would it be safe to introduce another batch of fish, or should I wait a couple more days and continue to test the water?

My questions are:

1. What should I do about the wide range in difference in my pH readings?

2. How should I approach everything dropping to zero?

Details about tank listed in additional details…
55 gallon

350 BioWheel

Marineland heater

8 zebra danios

1 male betta

Mardell (??) test strips

API liquid test kit

Water changes every 3-4 days (20-30%)

Feedings at 8 A.M. and 8 P.M.

Anything else you need to know to assist me?

Thanks a bunch!

STACIE

JimmyOrangeSeed asked:


I am looking at doing research on a few different lakes. I want to test the water quality between some protected lakes that don’t allow gas powered watercraft, some lakes that are still in protected area but allow gas powered watercraft but only at low speeds and then non-protected waters with no regulations.
I have a few books on Limnology but I am having a hard time finding the right tests that would give me the best results. Also, which tests would have to be done on the spot and what are some that I can do back in the lab months down the road.
Thanks in advance.

RYLAN

Caddie S asked:


I am doing a science project, nad i want to know the chemical tests performed to get the water quality, and how they are done.

and if possible, could someone please help me find a chart that gives you the expected results for different types of water quality.

LIVINGSTON

Sam asked:


and what do all the tests mean?