We have discussed about the basic knowledge about what aquarium is in “what is an aquarium” section. In this article, we will look into the fundamental of water chemistry and discuss further into each element.
Although keeping the fish tank for quite a while and have kept varieties of fish from cichlids, catfish, shrimps, goldfish etc etc, some of you may not really have a clue on what elements will affect to particular circumstances, right?
It may not sound easy and straight forward so we assume some may be staying away from water chemistry but it’s much easier to deal with the problems when encountered if you know at least few of those. We will focus mainly on the basic elements that can be tested with the test kit below.
Table of contents
Determining the Water Chemistry
There are several options to test and see what the water chemistry is whereas you only need to check the few measurements. Good news is there’s no need to test everything.
pH
Purpose for measurement – Check whether your water quality is either acidic, alkaline or neutral
Reactant – hydrogen ion
Recommended value – 6-8ph (totally depends on types of fish)
Degree of importance – ★★★★★
Carbonate hardness (KH)
Purpose for measurement – Check its alkalinity whether the pH rate of the particular environment tend to fluctuate or not
Reactant – total amount of calcium ion and magnesium ion that attach bicarbonate ion
Recommended value – kh1-4dh
Degree of importance – ★☆☆☆☆
General Hardness (GH)
Purpose of measurement – identify the optimum hardness for both aquatic plants and tropical fish
Reactant – the total amount of calcium ion and magnesium ion
Recommended value – 1-3dh
Degree of importance – ★★★★☆
Ammonia (NH3,NH4)
Purpose of measurement – ammonia is a toxic element so it shouldn’t be detected.
Reactant – ammonium ion
Recommended value – 0mg/L
Degree of importance – ★★★★★
Nitrous acid (NO2)
Purpose of measurement – nitric acid is also a strong toxic element so this should not be detected either.
Reactant – nitric acid ion
Recommended value – 0mg/L
Degree of importance – ★★★★★
Nitric acid (NO3)
Purpose of measurement – this is the last element of nitrification process produced. Less toxicity but it whereas it will affect to the live creature as it builds up. its nitrogen is the food source for algae to bloom hence it should be controlled by water change.
Reactant – nitric acid ions
Recommended value – 0-25mg/L
Degree of importance – ★★☆☆☆
Iron (Fe)
Purpose of measurement – this is the important nutrient for aquatic plants. Mainly affects for colouration, if they lack it, their colour become dull.
Reactant – Iron ion
Recommended value – below 1mg/L
Degree of importance – ★☆☆☆☆
Phosphoric acid (PO4)
Purpose of measurement – this is one of three main nutritious elements. It should be controlled in order to avoid algae bloom.
Reactant – phosphate
Recommended value – 1mg/L
Degree of importance – ★★☆☆☆
Chlorine (Cl)
Purpose of measurement – tap water contains chlorine and which is very toxic to live animals in aquarium. This must be treated especially when tap water is used.
Reactant – chlorine
Recommended value – 0mg/L
Degree of importance – ★☆☆☆☆
Oxygen (O2)
Purpose of measurement – sufficient amount of oxygen has to be dissolved into the water in order for live creatures, aquatic plants, and aerobactor to live otherwise they suffer from lack of oxygen. However, this is not as important as to measure with the test kit but rather you will know by experience.
Reactant – oxygen
Recommended value – dependant on the number of live animals and aquatic plants
Degree of importance – ★☆☆☆☆