Checking Your Freshwater Aquarium pH Levels

Why is it crucial to test your freshwater aquarium pH? Because changes in your waters pH levels can have lethal results!

Healthy water in your aquarium will keep your fish alive a lot longer. Water is to fish what air is to you; if your house were filled with smoke from a wood stove how long would you survive? Would you let your kids play in a closed garage with the car running?

Picking a good test kit can pose challenges in itself with the scores of brands and dozens of styles is is difficult to know where one starts. Knowing which test kits you truly require for your aquarium can save lives and money.

Each freshwater aquarium setup will have its own lot of particular concerns to cope with; nonetheless there are a number of rudimentary factors that will point you along the right path.

Keeping A Record Of Your Readings If Vital!

First and foremost, keep a log book of your test results. Every time you take a reading, write down the results as well as the date and the time of your reading. Try to test at the same time each day, that way you will be able to establish a pattern, making it easier to identify when something is not right.

Equipment can malfunction; take a moment each day to make sure that filters, heaters and lights are working properly. Fish have an impressive immune system, given half a chance they can resist all manner of ailments - stress is the one thing that will quickly undermine their defenses.

The Impact of pH

Of all the water parameters under your supervision in a freshwater aquarium, pH is about the most volatile; nothing will place our fish at risk faster than stress brought on by precarious pH levels. pH is measured on a scale of 1 (very acidic) through 14 (very alkaline) with 7 being "neutral".

Almost all freshwater fish inhabit water in a very narrow pH band, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5; but a change of even 1/2 point can place your fish in peril. Understanding the pH requirements of your fish and matching them as nearly as possible in your aquarium is critical to the health of your fish.

In a healthy aquarium, your pH will "drift" within a certain range, typically being at its lowest (acidic) in the morning and rising over the day. Not changing your water in a timely manner or overfeeding will cause your pH to move into unsafe zones; and adding water that does not equal your tanks pH will have an immediate impact.

Your testing for a reason! Comparing your readings over time will give you warning when your "drift" is beyond the regular range for your tank setup.

High Ammonia Levels Are Deadly!

Do not subject your fish to toxic ammonia levels as it will lead to permanent injury and even death! It is created through the decay of excess food and fish waste. The highest concentrations will be at the bottom of your tank, so be sure to pull your test sample from there.

What Else Should You Test?

Nitrite testing is a must for new tanks and knowing your nitrate levels will help to establish a good water change program. Phosphate buildups will promote algae growth and water hardness is good to know; you can ask your fish store to test that for you on occasion. These ought to be monitored on a routine basis as they are no less significant than pH, ammonia and nitrite.

Perform the key water tests for pH, ammonia and nitrite - include nitrate phosphate and water hardness if you can afford it. Don't overstock or overfeed, clean your filters and change your water on schedule; if you are diligent in these chores, keeping a healthy freshwater aquarium is a breeze.

Rozlyn Rozberry has been maintaining freshwater aquariums for more than 40 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge with other aquatic hobbyists. To learn more about testing your freshwater aquarium pH, visit Rozberrys Freshwater Aquariums and sign up for our FREE mini-eCourse on starting your own aquarium setup.