Freshwater Aquarium Gravel

Posted by admin on Monday, July 31, 2006 · Leave a Comment

Freshwater Aquarium pH Levels: Acidity and Alkalinity

Aquarium hobbyists are always careful about their fish tank’s water chemistry, because every little aspect of it is crucial for the survival of the marine life that they are raising. Apart from the commonly known ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels of an aquarium, water pH levels are also an important factor that you as the aquarium hobbyist should consider. Freshwater aquarium pH levels dictate the alkalinity or the acidity of the water in your fish tank, measured by the amount of hydrogen ions (H+) present (acidity) or the amount of hydroxide ions (HO-) present (alkalinity).

Alkaline and Acidic Water
It is the water pH levels that determine the general acidity or alkalinity of water. If a body of water is acidic, then it must have a pH level of less than 7.0. If a body of water is alkaline, then it must have a pH level of more than 7.0. These numerical measurements are very important, because they determine if a certain fish can tolerate a certain pH level or not. It is recommended that you do your own research regarding specific tolerance levels of the fish that you are planning to raise.

Determining pH levels
You can use the numerous test kits that are available out there, although it helps to know some common techniques in determining water pH levels properly. If you plan to use untested tap water for your aquarium, then you have to know first if the pH level is suitable for your fish or not. One way to do this is to measure the initial pH of your tap water first, then add some substrate material like rocks, pebbles and gravel into the water, and let it rest from about 2 days to one week. Afterwards, measure the pH levels again. This should determine the mean pH level of your water even after adding certain substrates that can literally alter the pH level of what would otherwise be considered as ordinary tap water.

Keep Water pH levels Consistent
Keeping the water pH level at a general constant rate is very important for the survival of your fish. This is because they get stressed when the pH levels swing periodically, even if they are able to tolerate that certain pH level. For example, even a 0.3 constant change in pH levels can worsen the condition of your fish. But this does not necessarily mean that you have to keep it at an exact level at al times, as that is almost near to impossible. Instead, try keeping the swing of the pH level as low as possible. Keeping the swing rate of the pH levels at about 0.1 to 0.2 would be most suitable and it less irritates fish in your aquarium.

Lowering and Raising Water pH Levels
Buffering capacity is the ability of the water to resist changes in pH levels. Knowing the buffering capacity of you tank’s water should be the first thing that you have to do before you start manipulating your freshwater aquarium pH level. It is already common that the pH levels of an aquarium is raised by the substrate you are using, and in fact just adding rocks and gravel as substrates can already generate the desired water pH level, although you can also opt for some high caliber alternatives, like crushed corals. If you want to lower the pH levels, you can add materials which work the same way as the rock substrates, but in reverse, such as driftwood. Regardless, balancing the pH levels is important, so appropriate use of any of these materials should still be considered.

About the Author

Sandra Gaffney is a freshwater aquarium expert. For more great tips on
freshwater aquarium
ph, visit

http://www.myfreshwateraquariumsecrets.com/

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