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THE CHEMICAL MAKE UP OF WATER
FOR FISH KEEPING.
All too often problems with fish health within the aquarium can
be directly linked to poor water quality.
We have looked at the part the Biological Filter plays in breaking
down fish waste from ammonia to nitrite through to nitrate. We now
look at the three other aspects of water chemistry that are equally
as important as those already mentioned to the long-term well being
of the fish.
Even if the biological filter is working properly, but the readings
of PH, KH, and GH are incorrect for the respective species of fish,
then this can also be as big a killer as a biological filter that
is not breaking down toxic waste in the aquarium. These three readings
are all too often dismissed or disregarded as unimportant, but as
you will see they are vitally important to the health of
your fish.
Let's take each one in turn and explain what they are and what they
do, and how they are important in your aquarium.
PH.
PH is the measurement of acidity and alkalinity.
A PH value of 0 - 6.99 is acidic.
A PH value of 7.00 is neutral (neither acidic or alkaline)
A PH value of 7.01 - 14+ is alkaline.
Fish that are kept in water that is outside their usual PH value
may well tolerate this in the short term, but all too often
the long-term effects result in the death of the fish. One of the
first areas to be effected are the delicate gill membranes, once
these are damaged the fish will have difficulty breathing, gasping
for air at the surface. The second vulnerable area is the 'skin'
of the fish, resulting in loss of colour, excessive mucus production,
flicking (as if showing signs of parasite infection) and in extreme
cases white patches around the mouths, on the bodies and fins, and
shredding of the tail.
All these symptoms can be encountered just because the PH value
is incorrect for that particular species of fish.
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