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The basic parameters (alk, Ca, magnesium) will not naturally cycle day to night so in that sense, time itself does not matter. But when you measure in relation to when you dose (whether that means once a day, many times, continuously, etc.) can be important and should be consistent.
pH and O2 and things related to them (e.g., ORP) are the main ones that change with the light cycle.
Others may change with the feeding cycle (ammonia, etc.).
I usually test right before my water change to see the lowest levels to make adjustment to dosing or the the actual water change water if need be.What about in relation to a water change? Before or after?
That's good to know. I've been doing it the day after water changes.I usually test right before my water change to see the lowest levels to make adjustment to dosing or the the actual water change water if need be.
The basic parameters (alk, Ca, magnesium) will not naturally cycle day to night so in that sense, time itself does not matter. But when you measure in relation to when you dose (whether that means once a day, many times, continuously, etc.) can be important and should be consistent.
pH and O2 and things related to them (e.g., ORP) are the main ones that change with the light cycle.
Others may change with the feeding cycle (ammonia, etc.).
I think it was Jonas Roman that reported a cycle of of alk (KH) during 24 hours or at least more consumption during light periods - I can be wrong with that.
Lasse
So many variables for choosing the correct time but I think this is the most important thing to keep in mind.Choosing test time, it is good practice always performed at the same time, or close, so that we can get a good idea of the variation of that particular parameter over the course of days.
Maybe I mispronounced, but did not say that "all" parameters should be measured at the same time ...So many variables for choosing the correct time but I think this is the most important thing to keep in mind.
And if dosing manually or doing water changes, give the tank water at least a couple hours to re-mix properly.
I didn't say you did. I was agreeing with you.Maybe I mispronounced, but did not say that "all" parameters should be measured at the same time ...
That's it, exactly!I didn't say you did. I was agreeing with you.
In general, test at the same time. Whatever test that may be. If you tested alk mid afternoon yesterday, test alk mid afternoon today.
I do the same thing when weighing myself! Same exact time in the morning.
This is a good topic to discuss ...
The whole nature is dominated by rhythms, some governed by the sun, others by the moon and still others by the internal regulation of each organism, according to what complexity and according to which metabolism. All these cyclic rhythms are called the circadian cycle.
If it were possible to measure all the variations of an ecosystem from instant to instant 24/7 hours and days, we would see that each parameter establishes a curve and that each curve tends to be "constant" over time, establishing the cycle.
So that we can point to a point in this circadian curve, establishing a target to be reached, it is important to determine the instant "t" in which the point appears in the curve during the 24 hours, otherwise we will be lost.
From this determination, and for comparison / monitoring purposes, the measurements should always be made at the same time "t" or very close, and other variations occurring in the measurement environment, such as temperature, salinity, pH, potential redox , lighting ... all able to change, little or much, each of the parameters measured.
Choosing test time, it is good practice always performed at the same time, or close, so that we can get a good idea of the variation of that particular parameter over the course of days.
That's my opinion.
Best regards