What test kits do I need for a planted tank?

The main test kits that are important to planted aquariums are pH, KH, GH, PO4 (phosphate), NO3 (nitrate) and Fe (Iron). There are other test kits that are useful such as NO2 (nitrite) and NH4 (ammonia) but they are more useful at the beginning of setting up an aquarium or when adding new fish.

Is aquarium test kit necessary?

Using a test kit is a key part of maintaining a healthy aquarium, so whether you’re a novice or an experienced fish keeper, a good kit should be used at least once a month or before each water change. Preventive maintenance and testing will stop potential algae control problems in your tank, if treated correctly.

Is planted tank hard to maintain?

Planted tanks are less work to maintain than conventional aquariums, but they require proper planning. Special attention should be paid to tank dimensions, lighting, substrate, fertilizers and choice of plant and fish species.

How much potassium does a planted aquarium need?

The recommended potassium content in a planted aquarium is between 5 and 10 mg/l. The plants do not really consume large amounts of this element, but when it is deficient, plants show signs of necrosis (holes in the leaves).

How accurate are aquarium test kits?

A single kit comes with 100 strips, which is enough for twice-a-week testing throughout the year. Milliard does a great job of educating aquarists about water conditions. The strips are very accurate. Not only that, but they’re well-designed and easy to compare to the color chart on the bottle.