In aquariums where fish and other living organisms live, it is important to maintain certain water parameters, because their health and life expectancy depend on this.
The main parameters of aquarium water: what should be considered
Any liquid used for an aquarium contains organic components, gases, and mineral substances. The optimal parameters of these impurities are determined taking into account the needs of the organism of living inhabitants. Moreover, comfortable water parameters can be different for each family of fish. This is the first thing to consider when creating optimal conditions in the aquatic environment
How to check the acidity of water in an aquarium, the pH norm
Acidity (pH) affects many chemical processes in water. Due to the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide, it decreases. Also, under the influence of other factors, an increase in the pH level can occur.
Stable parameters of acid in aquarium water are very important, because they provide comfortable conditions for the existence of living individuals in a closed ecosystem.
Normal pH value
The optimal acid parameter in a home freshwater aquarium is 5.5–8.8 pH. Fish and other floating inhabitants of an artificial reservoir are well adapted to such conditions.
How to measure
To measure the water acidity parameter in the aquarium, special tests, controllers and measuring instruments are used, which can be purchased at a pet store.
If an elevated pH level is determined during the measurements, carbon dioxide can be used to acidify the water. If low indicators are detected, the use of special preparations that increase the acidity of water is required. You can also use a mineral enriched with calcium. It is simply lowered into the water for some time, controlling the measurements of the acidity parameter.
Important! It is necessary to change the level of acidity in the water gradually, so as not to cause stress and a shock state in the fish.
Water hardness in the aquarium: norm and methods of verification
The activity and vitality of all living organisms in the home aquarium also largely depends on the water hardness parameters. It indicates the percentage ratio of dissolved salts and minerals.
Water hardness is divided into general and carbonate hardness.
These indicators are measured using drop tests and special strips with appropriate markings:
GH – general hardness;
KH – carbonate.
Types of hardness and normal indicators
The hardness of the water in the aquarium is divided into several degrees according to the concentration of dissolved impurities
Types:
very tough – the indicator is higher than 22.4 degrees;
hard – the parameter varies within 16.8–22.4;
average – 11.2–16.8;
soft – 5.6–11.2;
very soft – up to 5.6.
All living organisms have different requirements for water hardness. For example, soft water is optimal for the healthy growth of aquatic flora. As for fish and other floating inhabitants, everything depends on the individual needs of the organism.
How to measure
The use of drop tests does not cause difficulties. Aquarium water is collected in a transparent vessel. A reagent is added drop by drop to it. The number of drops is counted. The addition of the reagent is stopped as soon as the color changes. The degree of hardness is determined by the number of introduced drops.
If high or low water hardness indicators are determined during the measurements, you can use special preparations for aquariums that regulate the hardness parameter. Such concentrates can be purchased on the website of the “Le’Murrr” store.
What water temperature is necessary for aquarium fish and plants
In an aquarium with living inhabitants, it is important to maintain optimal temperature conditions. Too warm water causes stress, and cold water leads to hypothermia and illness.
Most aquarium fish are of tropical origin and feel comfortable at a water temperature of 24–26 degrees.
Discus and labyrinth representatives are more thermophilic, they feel comfortable in very warm water heated to 28–30 0С. At the same time, goldfish and neons are content with a range of 18–23 degrees.
Effect of temperature
The temperature of the water in the aquarium significantly affects the body of the living inhabitants, the rate of metabolism, immunity and general condition of the fish depend on it. They are not adapted to sudden changes in temperature, which causes severe stress and can lead to illness and death.
Methods of control
The water temperature in the aquarium is measured using a special thermometer. This device can be constantly in water. The owner should regularly monitor the indicator. Fluctuations in water temperature during the day within 2–4 degrees are allowed. More sharp drops are fatal for fish.
Temperature change
The optimal indicator of water temperature contributes to prolonging the life of aquarium inhabitants. If low or high values are noted on the thermometer, the owner needs to carry out some manipulations to create a comfortable water temperature.
How to change the t0 indicator:
1. To warm up cold water, you can use a bottle with warm water or a heating pad, leaning it against the wall of the aquarium.
2. A heating pad or a bottle is also used to lower the temperature, but only with cooled water.
3. You can slightly reduce the temperature of warm water with the help of an aerator.
4. And to maintain stable values of the temperature range, it is recommended to use a special water temperature regulator. It immediately sets the optimal values, in the range of which the water in the aquarium will be heated.
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