Track ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, GH and KH over time
Tank Name / Location:
Tank Size (gal):
Water Type (FW / SW / Brackish):
Date Started:
Filter / Turnover (gph):
Heater (watts):
Water Test Log
Record results from a liquid test kit (more accurate than strips). Test at the same time of day for consistency.
Healthy target ranges (most community freshwater tanks)
Ammonia (NH3): 0 ppm always. Anything above 0 is harmful.
Nitrite (NO2): 0 ppm always.
Nitrate (NO3): under 20-40 ppm, lower for sensitive fish and shrimp.
pH: stable matters more than a specific number; most community fish do well at 6.5-7.8.
Temperature: 74-80°F for most tropical community fish (species dependent).
Reef saltwater: salinity 1.020-1.026 specific gravity; test calcium, alkalinity, magnesium too.
Date
Temp
pH
Ammonia
Nitrite
Nitrate
GH
KH
Notes
Notes
Dosing changes, new livestock, water-change response, anything unusual.
Liquid reagent kits are more reliable than test strips. If readings spike, do a water change and investigate before adding livestock. For ongoing trouble, ask a local fish store or aquatic vet.