water quality test?

[Amber n The Boss]

I did search for this question before I posted but didn't find an answer. If this has been asked 100x over I'm sorry!
How soon after a water change can I test my water quality and get an accurate count?
How often in general do you test your quality? Monthly seems to be a common response but I'm unsure. I have new large fish in my tank so I'm worried about levels changing too quickly.
Lastly, can someone please tell my what forum or sub forum I can ask all my iridescent shark questions in. I need some expert advice but not sure where we fit in at.
Thanks-Amber

 

[Karl K]

I'd shark questions can be asked in the catfish forum, under bottom dwellers.

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[houie925]

Water tests can be performed any time but some water conditioners may cause a false positive reading on ammonia tests if you test shorty after it's added. Water changes should be based on your water tests. Adding large fish can overpower your beneficial bacteria and it may take some time to catch up so be prepared for a temporarily vigorous water change schedule. Monthly WCs probably won't be enough even after the bacteria catches up to your added bio load.


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[Amber n The Boss]

Thanks for your help on which forum I should use. I figured since their catfish it would be bottom dwellers but didn't see anyone else talk of one so u wanted to ask. And I really need the extra help since I am second guessing my LFS.

As for my water changes I'm doing every 3 days right now. I know they will change things a lot. Just didn't make sense to check water before a change only to know levels will be higher then normal and being changed so frequently. I was trying to figure out where my new levels are while still being accurate. I went from a few reg small fish in a 75 gallon to adding 2 ID Sharks of good size. I'm using Prime as my conditioner.
Thanks-Amber

 

[Jayfish7]

I wait a day after water change

 

[duanes]

One of the reasons for testing before a water change, and then sometime after ( ie hours, a day, etc) is to find out whether or not your stocking, and water change schedule, and waters buffering capacity are sufficient for your biofiltration.
If before a change, your pH is 5, and nitrates are 40ppm, but after a change, your pH is 7.8 and nitrates are 5ppm.
It means your fish are living in urine just before the change, and your change has created a drastically different environment, or in other words not sufficient for the bioload.
If conditions are close to the same, pH 7.5 before, nitrate 12 ppm, and after a change, pH 7.6 and nitrate 10ppm, you are doing a good job for your fish with your water change schedule, bioload, and your waters buffering capacity.