Water quality, it’s essential for healthy fish.

The Water quality in your aquarium is the most important thing for healthy inhabitants and crystal clear water. Often bad Water quality will result in sick fish and aquarium problems. That’s why we recommend to test the Water quality before anything else. If necessary make a water change and/ or improve Water quality with a water conditioner before applying medication. The following water values are very important.

PH

pH is a measurement that indicate the acidity. When the pH is under 7 the water is acid,. Big fluctuations are harmful to fish. The best pH- value for fish is between 7,0 and 7,5. Some species require are more acid environment, thus a lower pH, your supplier can inform you if there are special requirements for the fish of your choice.

Hardness

The GH- value is a measurement for the total hardness of the water (total dissolved mineral content). Both fish and plants need minerals. Make sure the GH- value is never less then 4 and try to establish the ideal value of 10.

The KH- value indicates the ability of the water to stabilise pH. When the KH- value is too low, the pH can fluctuate heavily. When the KH- value is at least 4, the pH will be stable. The ideal KH- value is 10.

WATER QUALITY

Ammonia (NH3) is very harmful and can cause immediate mortality and diseases. High levels of ammonia can occur in new aquaria, with filter problems and when maintaining high stock levels. Test the ammonia level daily, especially under the above mentioned circumstances.

When the ammonia level exceed 0,15 mg/ litre, change immediately 50% of the water, after this change daily 25% of the water until the ammonia level is under 0,15 mg/ litre. Add Zeolite to your filter, this absorbs ammonia direct. Immediately discontinue feeding.

Nitrite (NO2) is also very toxic and therefore dangerous for your fish. The nitrite content should not exceed 0,15 mg/ litre. When you read a higher level, immediately change 50% of the water, after this change daily 25% until the nitrite level is under 0,15 mg/ litre. Add PSB bacteria and discontinue feeding.

Nitrate (NO3) is a useful nutrient absorbed by plants and algae. Nitrate levels can build up in aquaria with many fish. When the nitrate level is under 50 mg/ litre there is no problem. When the nitrate level is above 50 mg/ litre make a partial water change.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is essential for the growth of aquarium plants. In an environment with insufficient CO2, plants cannot develop new leaves. A CO2 content of 8- 15 mg/ litre is ideal for your plants. The CO2 content is determined by pH and KH. If the CO2 level is too low you can increase the CO2 level with a CO2 system like the SuperFish Carbo Plus.