Description
The pH (permanent hardness) describes one of the most important chemical properties of your water, the balance between acid and alkaline. All fish, plants, and micro-organisms react very sensitively to drastic and rapid changes to the pH value.
There is no definitive correct pH (permanent hardness) as different fish species have their preferred pH range.
For example, most aquariums the ideal pH value is between 7 and 8, but there are some exceptions:
• Discus typically prefer it to between 6.0 and 6.5, especially if you wish to breed them.
• General community aquariums between 7.0 and 8.0.
• Most African Rift Lake cichlids like it between 8.0 and 9.0.
When purchasing fish from your local aquatic retailer, always enquire as to the specific water requirements of the fish you are buying.
If you do need to adjust the pH of your aquarium, it is vital to do this slowly to not shock the fish. Change no more than 0.5 pH units per 2 days. Providing your tap water is of suitable pH, substantial water changes can correct a dangerous pH level. It is also important to check the KH of the aquarium. Use of pH adjusters, such as KH Up – pH Stabiliser will raise the pH caused by soft or aged water. For fish that live in soft, acid water use bogwood to gently lower the pH and soften the water.
Ammonia is the main waste product produced by fish as a result of feeding. It can also be generated by the decay of uneaten food or decaying organic matter, such as plant leaves. It is invisible to the naked eye and its presence or absence cannot be determined by looking at the water alone. It is extremely toxic to the fish but is broken down into less toxic nitrite by the beneficial bacteria found in the filter. The desired ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺) level is 0 mg/l.
• In freshwater aquariums, ammonium (NH4⁺) is produced by the bacterial decomposition of uneaten food and plant matter as well as fish waste.
• Although ammonium is an important nutrient for plants, this is dependent on the pH level.
• If the pH level is above 7, it can convert to ammonia (NH3) which is then toxic for the fish.
• Above pH 7 even in small amounts of 0.2 mg/l, ammonia will still pose a threat to the fish with symptoms like rapid gill movements, nervous swimming, and loss of appetite.
• In higher concentrations from 1.0 mg/l and above, it can be lethal.
• If a level of 0.2 mg/l (ppm) of ammonia is detected, in an aquarium you can add some NT Labs Aquarium Filter Starter to remove this.
• If a level above 0.2mg/l (ppm) of ammonia is detected, a substantial water change must be carried out first. Change 25% of the volume for 0.5 – 1.0 mg/l (ppm) ammonia or 50% for ammonia levels above this. In an aquarium, add some NT Labs Aquarium Ammonia Remover (RC286). This is best placed in the filter unit.
• If any amount of ammonia is found, then it is important to check other vital water quality parameters, in particular pH, KH and nitrite.
Nitrite is produced by the beneficial bacteria in the aquarium and aquarium filters as they break down the harmful waste ammonia excreted by the fish. Nitrite can affect the health of fish but is not as toxic as ammonia, but it is still important to test regularly. The desired nitrite (NO₂) level is 0 mg/l.
• If the nitrite less than 0.25mg/l, test regularly as it may decrease as part of the filtering process. Removing any debris such as fish food or plant remains will help with this.
• Between 0.25mg/l and 0.5mg/l, add some NT Labs Aquarium Filter Start to reduce this.
• If the nitrite level is too high, (above 0.5mg/l), change 25% of the water volume for 1.0mg/l (ppm) nitrite and 50% for nitrite levels above this.
• If any level of nitrite is detected, NT Labs Ammonia Remover from the water.
• If you do record a nitrite level, then it is important to check other vital water quality parameters, especially pH and ammonia.
NT Labs Aquarium Water Mini Test Kit will help you understand the importance of water quality. By having the correct parameters and good water quality, it will help your fish and plants live longer, healthier lives.
Highly accurate, the NT Labs Aquarium Water Mini Test Kit contains liquid kits which work by changing the colour of a water sample in relation to the concentration of a given substance. Simply compare the colour of the sample to the easy-to-read colour charts or count the number of drops it takes to alter the colour of the sample.
All the tests are liquid drop tests from a calibrated dropper bottle, so all the drops are the same size. Just add your aquarium water to the test tube and count the drops needed. The back of the box details clear pictorial instructions so you can see what to do from the start.
Full instructions are included detailing optimum levels and suggestions for correction. For brackish or marine set ups, we recommend you use NT Labs Marine Labs Test Kits to obtain the most accurate results.
