Often overlooked, pH may well be one of the most critical parameters in a healthy system. Maintaining the right pH range - 8.1-8.4 in marine systems - has a natural antiseptic effect, helping fish resist illness and coral calcify faster. If it is fluctuating, or is too high or low, it is harmful to the inhabitants in your aquarium. But this is only one reason why testing your pH levels is so important. Changes in pH also give you early warning that other water parameters may be endangering the health of your marine aquarium.
Invest in the health of your reef system
pH as a Warning Sign
Falling pH may indicate other water parameters are changing
Falling pH can be an indication of:
- excess ammonia and/or nitrite resulting from a decaying animal, food or plant within the system
- high nitrate levels
- a deficiency of calcium, magnesium or alkalinity
Each of these conditions either produce acids, or are an indication of a mineral imbalance that is harmful to the inhabitants. |
By using quality testing equipment to closely monitor your pH, and by correcting the problem when it fluctuates out of range, you can greatly improve your chances for a thriving marine aquarium. Test twice a week with a
pH kit, or invest in an electronic
pH monitor. Monitors display a continuous LCD readout of pH levels, and some feature high/low alarms when your parameters leave their ideal range.
Test your pH levels regularly to maintain ideal conditions and to foresee dangerous ammonia or nitrate spikes. Your investment in time and test equipment will reward your aquarium with flourishing coral and healthy inhabitants. Test your pH levels regularly to maintain ideal conditions and to foresee dangerous ammonia or nitrite spikes.
|
 |
|
|
|
PRODUCTS RELATED TO:
Aquarium Testing
|
|
|
|
|
