Test Kits 

Salt water aquariums and fish tanks have a more delicate water composition than its fresh water counterparts. Not only do you have to constantly worry about the salinity level of the water itself, but there are other areas to consider like ammonia levels and pH levels. These little tests are essential in keeping the marine habitat of your salt water pets safe and hospitable.  

You should remember though that not all artificial marine habitats share the same results for testing. For example, if you have a salt water aquarium holding only several species of marine fish, you may have a constant salinity level of 35 PPT. But once you introduce an invertebrate into the mix or even several live rocks, and coral reef you may need to raise the salinity level to 35 PPT to make the habitat more sustainable to all life forms.  

When you perform these water tests using an assortment of test kits, you need to keep a rigid schedule as to when you are to conduct these tests and how often you are doing so. Some of these tests may prove too toxic when used excessively because the reagents used here are chemicals that are not naturally or biologically incorporated in marine-like habitats.  

Some of the standard Aquariums Test kits forms include, but is not limited to: calcium testing, iodine testing, molybdenum testing, strontium testing and testing for trace minerals. The 3 more common testing forms are nitrogen level testing (also known as ammonia level testing), pH level testing (also known as alkaline testing, acidity testing and KH water level testing) and of course, the salinity level testing.  

Nitrogen Level Testing 

Nitrogen is a direct result of the accumulation of waste products in the salt water aquarium and fish tank. Decomposing material usually release nitrogen in the water, along with hosts of toxic substances like ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. Surprisingly, about 60% of the toxic ammonia released in the water comes from the gills of the salt water fishes themselves.  

pH Level Testing 

pH is actually a term that is used in the measurement of acidity or alkalinity of salt water. In a marine set up, the pH level be somewhere between 8.1 and 8.3. Water that is less than 7 is usually considered too acidic and therefore too toxic for any life form to survive in. This kind of testing also shows the carbonate hardness of the water, indicated by the letters KH. In order to sustain life, the KH level must be maintained at 8 to 12 degrees only.  

Salinity Level Testing 

Salinity tests measure the specific gravity of the water. Usually, the more salt in the water, the heavier its gravity and the denser the water. Marine Fish and invertebrates need a specific measurement of salinity in order to thrive. Too much or too little would affect their health greatly, but usually a saltwater aquarium or fish tank should have a constant salinity level between 28 to 32 PPT.