Bbaker Posted 7 hours ago Share Posted 7 hours ago First post 🐟. I have a planted tank and am planning to add more plants and I want to be able to test the water for deficiencies in minerals and nutrients. What would be the most important things to test (other than what comes on a standard test strip and ammonia strip)? Any brand recommendations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Zenzo Posted 4 hours ago Administrators Share Posted 4 hours ago On 10/22/2024 at 8:02 AM, Bbaker said: First post 🐟. I have a planted tank and am planning to add more plants and I want to be able to test the water for deficiencies in minerals and nutrients. What would be the most important things to test (other than what comes on a standard test strip and ammonia strip)? Any brand recommendations? Welcome to the forum and to your first post! When it comes to testing the water for minerals and nutrients, I usually look for nitrate levels to be above 20ppm (aiming for closer to 40). I also look at the plants themselves, as they are going to be the best indicator of what your plants may be needing. Here is a useful guide that can help you identify what your plants may be lacking: https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/plant-nutrient-deficiencies As far as testing, I use our Aquarium Co-Op Multi-Test Strips (full disclosure, I work for Aquarium Co-Op). https://www.aquariumcoop.com/products/aquarium-co-op-multi-test-strips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Cory Posted 4 hours ago Administrators Share Posted 4 hours ago I honestly think, outside of measuring nitrates. Watching your plants tells you the most. Making attempts to add what they'd like goes a long way. So fertilizer and having some minerals available are key first steps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thea_Belle Posted 3 hours ago Share Posted 3 hours ago Ive been working on my planted tank for a while and I get frustrated test strips don't tell you what's missing if you try based on the Co-op deficiencies chart and see no progress it can be super frustrating. I started testing Phosphate but mine comes out well on that so for me my next step is going to a freshwater potassium test. Phosphates include potassium but based off the problems I am seeing in my plants and the fact that my phosphates are good I suspect that it might be a potassium-specific problem. If that's not it Im not sure what my next step will be a magnesium test possibly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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