What are the signs of good water quality?

Question

Hi, I just want to know what are the signs of good water quality for fish, well in my tank I always do 20% water changes weekly. So I want to know what are the good signs that the water quality is good. (Please dont mention the test readings of ammonia and nitrate whether it is bad or good I just want to know common good signs).

PS: At least give 3 causes minimum and 10 maximum please.

Answer 1

the only way to know your water quality is to test all the parameters.

Answer 2

Fish Are Alive

Water Is Running From The Filter Okay

Fish Are Not Constanlty At The Top Of The Tank Taking Air In

Fish Colour Strong

Water Looks Clear

Fish Are Not Acting Sluggish

Not A Strong Stench From Water

Fish Are Eating

No Substances On The Tank Case

Live Plants Are Alive

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 3

1. your fish are alive...

2. your water doesnt stink tomuch

3. the waters clear without alot of suspendid particles

Answer 4

I'm sorry to really tell you that visually looking at your tank and just because it's clear, doesn't mean your water quality is good.  Let me give you an example, and I know you mentioned the nitrogen compounds, but truly, this is your best indicator.

You can have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, clear water that doesn't smell, and your fish all alive.  Let's say you aren't changing that water at 20% weekly, you may well have nitrates at 60 or 80 ppm in there due to overstocking or overfeeding.  You aren't going to see anything directly from this.  Exposure to high nitrates effect the growth and immune systems of your fish and leave them weak to any pathogens that could get in your tank.  That's just one example.

Look I know this isn't exactly what you are looking for, but it's misleading to say look for clear non smelling water and fish are alive.  This isn't always a case where you'll be fine.

My opinion, what makes your water quality good, is having:

1.  No ammonia

2. No Nitrite

3.  Keeping your water at 40 ppm or under in nitrates

4.  Has proper electrolyte balance

5.  Your lighting is in balance on a regular cycle

6.  You have no pathogens in your tank or sick fish.

7.  Plants are not decaying

This again isn't necessarily what you want, but if you take the view point that your water is clear, fish are just alive, and it doesn't smell, you could be getting set up for failure using only that.  I might recommend that you increase from 20% weekly to 40 or 50%.  It all depends on your nitrate output from your bio filter.  I'm sure some others could tack on a few more catagories to look at that I didn't consider, and they would be equally correct.