Aquarium keeping begins with proper water quality to ensure a healthy aquatic environment. Although water may appear crystal clear and safe for fish, that cannot be assumed. Consistent testing and maintaining water parameters is essential for healthy aquarium life. Regardless of which type of aquarium you are keeping, it is important to regularly test your water. Setting a schedule and being consistent in your water testing will greatly improve your aquarium keeping success.
Not all aquarium life requires the same water parameters. It is critical for success to know which the species you are keeping, their water requirements, and what your water quality levels. Check out our guidelines below and the various instruments used to analyze your aquarium water!
The following chart represents a general guideline for popular types of freshwater aquariums and their preferred water parameters. Please note that certain species or life cycle stages may have more specific requirements.
| Guidelines to Freshwater Aquarium Water Parameters | |||||
| Water Parameter | Freshwater Tropical | African Cichlids | Discus | Planted Tanks | Shrimp Tanks |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 | 7.8 - 8.5 | 5.0 - 6.8 | 6.0 - 7.5 | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Temperature | 72 - 82˚F | 72 - 82˚F | 80 - 86˚F | 72 - 80˚F | 72 - 82˚F |
| Ammonia | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | 0 ppm |
| Nitrite | 0 - 10 ppb | 0 - 10 ppm | 0 - 10 ppb | 0 - 10 ppb | 0 - 10 ppb |
| Nitrate | <50 ppm | <50 ppm | <30 ppm | <30 ppm | <30 ppm |
| Alkalinity | 65 - 135 ppm | 165 - 300 ppm | 50 - 100 ppm | 50 - 135 ppm | 50 - 135 ppm |
| General Hardness | 65 - 200 ppm | 200 - 335 ppm | 50 - 100 ppm | 50 - 135 ppm | 50 - 135 ppm |
The following table shows various Hanna Instruments suitable for testing freshwater aquariums. Included is also reagent refills and storage solutions for your pH electrodes. Our general hardness test kits vary depending on low range (0-150 ppm) or medium range (40-500 ppm). The medium range is more suited for African Cichlids and fish requiring higher hardness while the low range is more suited for Discus and aquariums requiring lower hardness.
| Hanna Instruments for Testing Freshwater Water Parameters | ||
| Water Parameter | Hanna Instruments | Reagent/Solution |
| pH | HI98100 | Electrode Storage Solution/Calibration Solutions |
| Temperature | HI147 | NONE |
| Ammonia | HI700 | HI700-25 |
| Nitrite | HI707 | HI707-25 |
| Nitrate | HI3874 | HI3874-100 |
| Alkalinity | HI775 | HI775-26 |
| General Hardness | HI3840/HI3841 | HI3840-050/HI3841-050 |
The following table represents general guidelines to water parameters for reef aquariums, fish- only saltwater aquaria and coral reefs where many marine ornamentals are naturally found. Natural marine environments are used as a guideline for home aquariums to promote a similar setting. Fish-only saltwater aquariums generally have a broader range of acceptable water parameters while more sensitive coral reef aquaria require stricter limits. Some marine species may have more specific requirements and it is important to research each inhabitant before introducing them into your aquarium. The parameters highlighted in green represent what Hanna Instruments is able to measure in saltwater.
| Saltwater Aquarium Water Parameters Guidelines | |||
| Parameter | Reef Aquarium | Fish Only | Nature (Coral Reef)* |
| Temperature | 76 - 82 °F | 72 - 78 °F | 82 °F |
| Salinity | 1.023 - 1.026 (32 - 35 ppt) | 1.020 - 1.025 | 1.025 - 1.027 (34 - 36 ppt) |
| pH | 8.1 - 8.4 | 8.1 - 8.4 | 8.0 - 8.5 |
| Ammonia (NH3) | 0 ppm | 0 ppm | Near Zero |
| Nitrite (NO2) | 0 - 150 ppb | 0 - 150 ppb | Variable (Typically <0.1 ppb) |
| Nitrate (NO3) | Low Values Preferred | <30 ppm | Variable (Typically <0.1 ppm) |
| Phosphate (PO4) | <0.05 ppm | <0.2 ppm | 0.005 ppm |
| Phosphorus | <20 ppb | <100 ppb | 2 ppb |
| Alkalinity | 8 - 12 dKH (142 - 215 ppm) | 8 - 12 dKH (142 - 215 ppm) | 7 dKH (125 ppm) |
| Calcium | 380 - 450 ppm | 350 - 450 ppm | 380 - 420 ppm |
| Magnesium | 1,250 - 1,350 ppm | 1,150 - 1,350 ppm | 1,280 ppm |
| Iodine | 0.06 - 0.10 ppm | 0.04 - 0.10 ppm | 0.06 ppm |
| Potassium | 380 - 420 ppm | 380 - 420 ppm | 400 ppm |
| Strontium | 8 - 14 ppm | 4 - 10 ppm | 8 - 10 ppm |
| SIlica | 0.06 - 2 ppm | <3 ppm | <0.06 - 2.7 ppm |
| ORP | 250 - 400 mV | 250 - 400 mV | Variable |
| Iron | 0.15 ppm | ~0.15 ppm | 0.00006 ppm |
| Boron | <10 ppm | <10 ppm | 4.4 ppm |
| *Note that values for natural coral reefs are based on typical surface ocean value and can change. | |||
| ppm = Parts Per Million | ppb = Parts Per Billion | ppt = Parts Per Thousand | dKH = Degrees Karbonathärte |
The following table shows various test kits offered by Hanna Instruments to measure your saltwater aquarium. Included is also the reagent refills or necessary storage solution to prolong the life of your electrode.
| Hanna Instruments for Saltwater Aquarium Water Quality Analysis | ||
| Water Parameter | Hanna Instruments | Reagent/Solution |
| Temperature | HI147 | None |
| Salinity | HI96822, HI98319 | None, HI70024P |
| pH | HI98100 | Electrode Storage Solution/Calibration Solutions |
| Nitrite | HI764 | HI764-25 |
| Phosphate | HI774 | HI774-25 |
| Phosphorus | HI736 | HI736-25 |
| Alkalinity | HI772/HI755 | HI772-26/HI755-26 |
| Calcium | HI758 | HI758-26 |
| ORP | HI98120 | Electrode Storage Solution |
| Iron | HI38039 | HI38039-100 |
There are many instruments available for testing aquariums. From our handheld colorimeters to waterproof testers; the classic Checker and our newest, HALO, the world's first app-enabled Bluetooth electrode, we have a wide variety of tools for every budget, preference, and skill level. Which one is right for you?
If you have any questions about testing in aquariums you can leave a comment below, or contact us by phone at 800-426-6287 or email at sales@hannainst.com.