pH
What
is pH?
In simple terms the pH value indicates if the water
mass is acid, neutral or alkaline. pH is determined on a scale of 0-14.
Under 7.0 is acid, 7.0 is neutral and above 7.0 is considered alkaline.
What
determines my tank’s pH?
-
The biggest factor affecting pH is the water that
is used to set up the tank and do water changes.
The pH of water varies by location.
Some other factors can change a tank’s pH without a customer trying or
knowing.
-
Nitrification
cycle. As harmful ammonia is
converted into nitrates by “good” bacteria, nitric acid
is produced which can
lower a tanks’ pH.
-
If your tank
has a low level of aeration excess carbon dioxide will lower your pH value.
Certain
aquarium chemicals can lower or raise the pH of a tank.
Why
should I know what my pH is?
Even though most aquarium fish will tolerate a wide
range of pH (6.6 - 7.2) without dying, pH will affect the toxicity of the
ammonia in your aquarium. When your
pH is above 7.0 it combines with ammonia to make a very harmful combination.
When your pH is below 7.0 (acid) your ammonia’s toxicity is reduced.
How
do I test my pH?
We sell inexpensive pH test kits that are easy to
use and read. If you have trouble
determining the results of your pH test, bring in your water and we will test it
for you.
Should
I adjust my pH?
Yes.
It is safer to have your tank’s pH below 7.0 because it lessens the
toxicity of ammonia. In some areas
it is difficult to keep your pH below 7.0 because of local water conditions.
Some choose not to adjust their pH and work to keep ammonia low, feeling this is
easier than trying to manage pH.
How
do I adjust my pH?
This is not a big deal.
Owners of swimming pools are doing it all the time!
If
your pH is above 7.0 and you want to lower it:
-
You will
need a pH test kit and pH adjusting chemicals.
-
Follow the
instructions for whatever type of adjusting chemicals you buy.
-
pH may
bounce up and down. After changing
your pH, retest it daily for 3 days. If
it starts to change add more pH adjuster. Eventually
the pH will stabilize until your next water change.
-
When doing a
water change you should adjust the pH of your tap water before refilling the
tank. You
could adjust the pH of the new water to math the current pH in your tank, if it
is at an acceptable level.
If
you want to raise your pH:
Test
your tap water. If your tap water
is above 7.0, do a water change as the fresh tap water will raise the pH in the
tank.
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