Water Parameters

Maintaining water parameters within normal limits is one of the most important responsibilities of fish-keeping. Do you know what the water parameters are for your aquarium?

What’s in my water?

pH  (acidity or alkalinity of the water)

Many factors can change the pH in water, including hardness of water. Extremes in pH can stress fish & plants.

     Abnormal pH levels = 0-6 water is acidic

     Normal pH levels = 6-8.5 water is neutral (7 is optimal)

     Abnormal pH levels = 8.5-14 water is basic/alkaline

 

AMMONIA  (fish excretions & decaying matter)

Fish excretions, decaying plants, & uneaten food cause ammonia spikes. High levels of Ammonia are toxic to fish: prolonged exposure to low levels will cause fish to become weak & susceptible to a variety of diseases, whereas high levels will result in rapid fish loss. Ammonia is colorless & odorless.  Normal Ammonia levels = zero ppm (parts per million)

  

NITRITES / NITRATES  (ammonia that has been converted to nitrite by bacteria during filtration)

 High levels of Nitrite are toxic to fish. Fish will become weak & susceptible to a variety of diseases and eventually fish will die from oxygen starvation. It is impossible to see or smell nitrites in pond water. Nitrites become nitrates which are usually removed from the water column by plants.  Normal Nitrite/Nitrate levels = zero ppm (parts per million)

 

PHOSPHATES

Phosphates enter the water via outside sources such as excess fish food, tap or rain water, and plant debris. Phosphates cause unclear water conditions and if too high can be hazardous to fish. Normal Phosphate levels = zero ppm (parts per million)