| Aquarium hobbyists are always careful about their | | | | again. This should determine the main level of your |
| fish tank's water chemistry, because every little | | | | water even after adding certain substrates that can |
| aspect of it is crucial for the survival of the marine | | | | literally alter this level of what would otherwise be |
| life that they are raising. Apart from the commonly | | | | considered as ordinary tap water. |
| known ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels of an | | | | Keep Water pH levels Consistent |
| aquarium, water pH levels are also an important | | | | Keeping the water level at a general constant rate is |
| factor that you as the aquarium hobbyist should | | | | very important for the survival of your fish. This is |
| consider. Freshwater aquarium pH levels dictate the | | | | because they get stressed when these levels swing |
| alkalinity or the acidity of the water in your fish tank, | | | | periodically, even if they are able to tolerate that |
| measured by the amount of hydrogen ions (H+) | | | | certain level. For example, even a 0.3 constant |
| present (acidity) or the amount of hydroxide ions | | | | change in pH levels can worsen the condition of your |
| (HO-) present (alkalinity). | | | | fish. But this does not necessarily mean that you |
| Alkaline and Acidic Water | | | | have to keep it at an exact level at all times, as that |
| It is the water pH levels that determine the general | | | | is almost near to impossible. Instead, try keeping the |
| acidity or alkalinity of water. If a body of water is | | | | swing as low as possible. Keeping the swing rate |
| acidic, then it must have a level of less than 7.0. If a | | | | levels at about 0.1 to 0.2 would be most suitable and |
| body of water is alkaline, then it must have a level of | | | | it less irritates fish in your aquarium. |
| more than 7.0. These numerical measurements are | | | | Lowering and Raising Water pH Levels |
| very important, because they determine if a certain | | | | Buffering capacity is the ability of the water to resist |
| fish can tolerate a certain level or not. It is | | | | changes in pH levels. Knowing the buffering capacity |
| recommended that you do your own research | | | | of you tank's water should be the first thing that you |
| regarding specific tolerance levels of the fish that you | | | | have to do before you start manipulating your |
| are planning to raise. | | | | freshwater aquarium pH level. It is already common |
| Determining pH levels | | | | that the PH levels of an aquarium is raised by the |
| You can use the numerous test kits that are available | | | | substrate you are using, and in fact just adding rocks |
| out there, although it helps to know some common | | | | and gravel as substrates can already generate the |
| techniques in determining water pH levels properly. If | | | | desired water level, although you can also opt for |
| you plan to use untested tap water for your | | | | some high caliber alternatives, like crushed corals. If |
| aquarium, then you have to know first if the level is | | | | you want to lower these levels, you can add |
| suitable for your fish or not. One way to do this is to | | | | materials which work the same way as the rock |
| measure the initial pH of your tap water first, then | | | | substrates, but in reverse, such as driftwood. |
| add some substrate material like rocks, pebbles and | | | | Regardless, balancing the levels is important, so |
| gravel into the water, and let it rest from about 2 | | | | appropriate use of any of these materials should still |
| days to one week. Afterwards, measure the levels | | | | be considered. |