All about aquarium water parameters

It’s essential to comprehend aquarium water parameters if you want to keep your fish and plants in a healthy environment. The health of every living thing in your tank is directly impacted by the water quality. Achieving the ideal balance can be difficult without the right knowledge, which could put your aquatic pets under stress or make them sick.

Important water quality factors including pH, temperature, and hardness must be routinely checked and adjusted as needed. To create a thriving aquarium, it’s important to become familiar with the requirements of each species of fish or plant, as they may vary.

You will learn about the key water parameters in this article, along with their definition, significance, and practical management techniques. Regardless of your level of experience, this knowledge will assist you in maintaining the best possible condition for your aquarium.

Main parameters

Any water will have various impurities, such as minerals, gases, and organic compounds. The characteristics of aquarium water are impacted by their concentration. Before adding animals or plants to an aquarium, the conditions inside must be made suitable for the chosen occupants. This is because different animal and plant species have different needs when it comes to environmental parameters.

Temperature

Since fish and other aquarium inhabitants are acclimated to specific temperatures in their natural habitats, it is imperative to maintain these temperatures when keeping them in captivity. The majority of fish and plant species prefer a temperature between 22 and 26 °C. Variations in temperature during the day shouldn’t be more than 2–4 °C.

Use a thermometer to find the temperature. Aquarium heaters are used to raise it, and adding more aeration or putting a container of cold water in the tank will lower it. Keep the aquarium away from windows, air conditioners, and heating sources to avoid unexpected changes.

Hardness

This aquarium water indicator shows the concentration of dissolved salts and minerals in the water. Three categories of hardness exist:

1. Constant, or non-carbonate (GH). Does not change after boiling the liquid and is determined by magnesium and calcium salts.
2. Variable, or carbonate (KH). Determined by hydrocarbonate and bicarbonate anions. Optimum value is 4-15°.
3. Total. Represents the sum of constant and variable hardness. Norm is 3-5°.

It is advised to keep the hardness of an aquarium with plants low (KH = 2-4°). Fish come in two varieties: those that require high water hardness, like cichlids, and those that prefer soft water, like neons.

Specialized tests can be used to determine the water’s hardness. Soft water, such as rainwater or distilled water, is added to the tank in order to lower this indicator. Ion exchange resins and specific chemicals can also be used for softening. Additionally, water can be run through a reverse osmosis filter, which delays the minerals, prior to filling the vessel.

Acidity

Acidity (pH) is a measure of a liquid’s ability to react based on the amount of hydrogen ions present. Acidity and other characteristics are strongly correlated; for instance, acidity and carbon dioxide content decrease as CO2 concentration rises. The carbonate stiffness (KN) changes in tandem with changes in acidity; as pH rises, so does carbonate stiffness.

The ideal acidity range for most aquarium species is 5.5–8.5. It can be measured with specialized instruments or tests. pH can be raised by supplementing the aquarium with calcium-rich minerals or by using purchased additives. It is decreased by adding peat to the aquarium filter and raising the CO2 concentration.

Additional parameters

The wellbeing of the animals living in aquariums is also greatly influenced by other factors. Fish disease or even death can result from their excess or deficiency, so aquarists need to be mindful of controlling them. Among them are:

• Oxygen (O2). This gas is necessary for breathing for all living creatures. Lack of oxygen leads to the death of fish and slow growth of plants, and excess – to increased acidity. The norm for oxygen content in aquarium water is 5 g / l (the permissible range is 3-15 g / l). You can measure the concentration of O2 using special tests. To increase its content, aeration and planting of live greenery, as well as chemicals are used.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2). This is a gas released by aquatic organisms and plants during respiration. It helps to lower the pH, and is also necessary for plants for photosynthesis. Excess CO2 causes poisoning of animals, and its deficiency has a negative effect on the growth of higher plants and provokes the proliferation of algae. The norm for carbon dioxide content is 2-10 mg/l (for grasshopper – 20-30 mg/l). You can measure the CO2 level using tests or a drop checker – a special device with a reagent that is installed in the aquarium; the concentration of carbon dioxide is judged by the change in the color of the indicator liquid. Aeration is used to reduce CO2 content, and lime tablets or a cylinder system are used to increase it.
• Ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. These are toxic compounds formed during the decomposition of organic matter and cause poisoning in fish. Ammonia and nitrite concentrations should be 0, nitrates – 5-15 mg/l. Nitrates are less toxic and are utilized by plants. The levels of these substances are determined using tests. To reduce them, water changes and bottom siphoning are performed or neutralizing agents are added to the reservoir.
• Chlorine. This is a gas that is toxic to fish, which dissolves well in water. The norm for its content is no more than 0.25 mg / l; a concentration of 1 mg / l is lethal for aquatic organisms. Tests are used to determine the chlorine level. To eliminate it, use filtration through activated carbon, settling tap water for 2-3 days, or special dechlorinating preparations.

Table with parameters

Water testing

Testing the water parameters is important when first setting up an aquarium and should also be done whenever issues occur, such as when the fish feel ill, the water turns murky, the vegetation isn’t growing well, or algae is growing out of control. To establish the ideal environmental conditions in an artificial reservoir, testing is required. Use instruments (such as a thermometer, chlorometer, or pH meter) or different tests available at pet stores to keep an eye on the indicators. The concentrations of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites as well as acidity are the most significant indicators. Herbalists are also measured for hardness.

An aquarium must have its water parameters properly maintained in order to be healthy. Maintaining clean water is important, but so is making sure the pH, temperature, and hardness are appropriate for the species you have. Together, these elements produce a steady atmosphere that is ideal for the growth of your plants and fish.

To prevent issues, regular monitoring and corrections are essential. The health of the fish in your aquarium can be greatly impacted by even minor changes in the water’s quality. You can keep problems at bay and maintain a stunning, healthy ecosystem in your tank by keeping an eye on these parameters.

Keep in mind that each aquarium is different, so what suits one setup might not be the best for another. Consider carefully the unique requirements of your plants and fish, then modify your care regimen in accordance with those needs. This meticulous attention to detail will guarantee that your aquarium stays a lively and healthy environment.

Maintaining a healthy habitat for your fish and plants requires an understanding of aquarium water parameters. The inhabitants of your aquarium will flourish if the pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and temperature are all kept in proper balance. Frequent inspections and modifications maintain the water’s safety, averting common problems like illness and stress.

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