PH, ph, or pH, is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a substance. In this case we will be referring to aquarium water. Seven (7.0) is neutral, less than seven is acidic, and greater than seven is alkaline. One very important thing to note is how ammonia toxicity relates to ph. This is very good to know when moving fish in containers or bags for any length of time. You DO NOT want to raise the ph of the transport water, by adding fresh water!
Most fish prefer to live in waters measuring 6.5 to 8, but some will go slightly lower and some slightly higher on the ph scale. While ph is important, keeping a stable ph is much more important as most fish will adapt to a broad range of ph. Regular water changes go a long way in maintaining a stable ph, but if your tap water is very soft you may need to add additional minerals, which act as buffering agents, to keep your ph stable. A small nylon mesh bag of crushed coral or crushed oyster shell works well. This can be placed in your aquarium filter or hidden in the aquarium. Measure the ph of your aquarium, before and after water changes at least monthly to make sure it is stable. Your local fish retailer should know the water conditions in your area and the fish they sell should be well suited to those conditions.
Many fish keepers of rift valley cichlids from lake Malawi and lake Tanganyika will ensure there are plenty of rocks in the aquarium to help buffer the water and keep it around pH 8.2 which most of the fish are accustomed to.
It is possible to buy agents and water conditioners which will affect the pH value of your water and stabilise it for you ensuring there are no major jumps or changes. It is advisable to test for pH value frequently too, just to make sure it is at the right level for the fish you are keeping.
API 800 Test Freshwater Aquarium Water Master Test Kit
Features:- Contains one (1) API Freshwater master kit 800, including 7 bottles of testing solutions, 1 colour card and 4 glass tubes with cap
- Helps monitor water quality and prevent invisible water problems that can be harmful to fish and cause fish loss
- Accurately monitors five most vital water parameters levels in freshwater aquariums: pH, High Range PH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
- Designed for use in freshwater aquariums only
- Use for weekly monitoring and when water or fish problems appear
API pH UP Freshwater Aquarium Water pH Raising Solution 118 ml Bottle
Features:- Contains one (1) API pH UP Freshwater Aquarium Water pH Raising Solution 118 ml Bottle
- Raises freshwater aquarium water pH with a phosphate-free formula
- Does not promote algae growth with pH adjustments and is safe for plants and fish
- Slowly neutralizes acidic substances that cause low water pH
- Test water weekly and use to correct pH level in freshwater aquariums
API pH DOWN Freshwater Aquarium Water pH Reducing Solution 118 ml Bottle
Features:- Contains one (1) API pH DOWN Freshwater Aquarium Water pH Reducing Solution 118 ml Bottle
- Lowers freshwater aquarium water pH with a phosphate-free formula
- Does not promote algae growth with pH adjustments and is safe for plants and fish
- Slowly neutralizes alkaline substances that cause high water pH
- Test water weekly and use to correct pH level in freshwater aquariums
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