The acid base balance of the water measured as ph is the most frequent cause of fish stress which can ultimately lead to fish loss.
Fish tank of water.
Do not add fish.
That gives a true picture of the ph.
Remember to let it stand for a minimum of 24 hours.
Fish cannot tolerate sudden changes in ph.
Then test the water.
The new tank must have the same ph.
This is especially true of water from tanks in pet stores where rapid turn over of fish can introduce a disease into the water with no opportunity for the store employees to detect the disease.
A reverse osmosis system ranges anywhere from 50 to 300.
Immediate water changes and adding 1 3 teaspoons of sea salt to the aquarium water will help reduce the effects of nitrite toxicity.
Set up and fill the aquarium with water.
In a saltwater tank your salt mix adds the essential salts and elements to the water.
Look for the warning signs of nitrite poisoning in your fish tank such as poor appetite inactivity fish hanging out by the water filter outflow and brown colored gills.
Run the aquarium filter for at least 24 hours to ensure that all equipment is functioning properly and that the ideal temperature is reached.
Introduce a few small hardy fish such as danios or livebearers.
It is usually the most overlooked parameter.
In a freshwater tank use a remineralizer like seachem equilibrium to restore the mineral balance.
The filters need to be replaced periodically however.
If you do not know the history of the tank and what the water conditions really are in this tank this can pose a risk of disease or chemical toxicity to your fish.
Check the water you have before you decide on the fish you are going to get.