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Boomer · 07-22-2006, 02:57 AM

I agree with Tatu. However, the # 1 killer and not just fish but inverts also is ammonia. Even if your tank is running well and something dies on you and the water does not turn cloudy, which it may not and things start to fall off like flies, it will be ammonia (unless it is some other toxin we can not test for). A wiped out tank before you know what is going on. Low alk, low Ca++, high nitrates, etc. or high or even a high pH or even a fairly low pH dose not take out things like ammonia will. Even salinity does not. Pretty much what Cougra is getting at.

however nitrItes are the most poisionous

This is a myth and has been for decades. Nitrite is not toxic in seawater. It is toxic in FW amd is way "salt" ( often table salt) is added to a FW tank with high nitrite, to reduce its toxicity and prevent methemglobinemia.

07-22-2006, 02:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,270 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: which test is the most important? I agree with Tatu. However, the # 1 killer and not just fish but inverts also is ammonia. Even if your tank is running well and something dies on you and the water does not turn cloudy, which it may not and things start to fall off like flies, it will be ammonia (unless it is some other toxin we can not test for). A wiped out tank before you know what is going on. Low alk, low Ca++, high nitrates, etc. or high or even a high pH or even a fairly low pH dose not take out things like ammonia will. Even salinity does not. Pretty much what Cougra is getting at. however nitrItes are the most poisionous This is a myth and has been for decades. Nitrite is not toxic in seawater. It is toxic in FW amd is way "salt" ( often table salt) is added to a FW tank with high nitrite, to reduce its toxicity and prevent methemglobinemia. __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.