In a number of species of fish, breeding occurs only within a specific pH range. If you are planning a new aquarium it's wise to know the pH of your water source, so you know beforehand if it is compatible with the species of fish you want to keep. Some fish such as Discus, and certain other cichlids, thrive in very narrow ranges of pH, which should be taken into consideration when setting up their aquarium.
When moving fish from one aquarium to another it is important to match the pH levels. Sudden changes in pH account for many fish losses that occur when fish are brought home from a pet shop.
Neon tetras are particularly sensitive to sudden changes in pH, and can easily be shocked when moved. Changes in the pH, especially sudden changes, can prove harmful or even fatal to fish. As the pH rises, it increases the toxicity of chemicals such as ammonia. It is an important factor to monitor while breaking in a new aquarium. The pH should be tested at least once a month, though preferably every two weeks, to allow for the detection of trends before they become a problem.
Keep test results in a logbook for future reference. Remember that because pH can vary based on time of day, testing at different times of day can yield different results even though nothing is wrong.
For this reason, testing should take place at the same time of day, preferably in the afternoon. Any time there is a fish illness or death, the pH should be tested. If the tank is treated with medication, the pH should be checked when treatment is begun, on the final day of treatment, and again a week later. Perform water changes as needed when the pH starts to vary from the optimum range for the fish. It is also wise to test your water just before purchasing new fish.
Check with the shop where you are purchasing the fish to see what their water pH is. What causes a high pH in aquariums differs between water type, fish, decoration, and more. Fortunately, there are several ways you can decrease or increase pH levels intentionally to make sure your fish and other aquatic pets are comfortable. From simple solutions like adding multipurpose decor to more serious actions like installing a reverse osmosis filtration system, you can achieve the perfect pH level for your fish using our comprehensive guide.
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The pH of tapwater varies depending on where you live, and the bedrock that your water source is taken from. Replenish as needed to maintain the desired pH. Use crushed coral or dolomite gravel for substrate. These calcium carbonate-based gravels slowly dissolve over time, raising and buffering pH.
Decorate your aquarium with limestone or coral rock. As with driftwood for lowering pH, use a healthy amount of calcium carbonate rock to create the desired effect.
Fill a mesh media bag with crushed coral or dolomite gravel and place it in your filter. Use calcium carbonate-based rock and substrate to safely raise pH and buffering. Acclimating New Fish When purchasing new fish or invertebrates, compare your aquarium's pH to the water in the tanks you are buying them from.
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