Water Chemistry

Maintaining a healthy ecosystem

Ammonia - NH3

Every aquarium produces waste. Food, fish feces, and decaying plants Ammonia is a natural product of this decaying waste. Ammonia however is very toxic to fish and invertebrates. An important part of managing this waste is establishing a healthy bacteria population in your aquarium. When you have a healthy bacteria colony they will begin to break down ammonia through the Nitrogen Cycle.

Nitrite - NO2

The first stage of the Nitrogen Cycle is the conversion of ammonia to nitrite. Nitrite is also toxic to both fish and invertebrates. Which brings us to the second stage.

Nitrate - NO3

The second and final step of the nitrogen cycle is the conversion of nitrite to nitrate. Nitrate is non-toxic in aquariums in low levels. It is important to perform regular aquarium maintenance to keep the nitrate level at a non-toxic level. Nitrate should be kept below 40 ppt as a general rule.

pH

The pH in your aquarium is how acidic, neutral, or basic the water is. Depending on what type of aquarium you would like to set up will determine what pH level your aquarium will need. If you would like to keep a planted aquarium the ideal pH would be 7.2-7.6 pH. if you you would like to keep a salwater aquarium the ideal pH would be 8.3 pH

Carbonate Hardness - kH

The kH in your aquarium is the waters ability to resist changes to its pH. If your kH gets too low it will be easier for your pH to fluctuate, creating an unstable environment. This is particularly important in saltwater reef aquariums. The ideal range for these systems is 9-11 dkH.

General Hardness - gH

The gH is the mineral content of your aquariums water as it relates to calcium and magnesium. The level of gH will depend on what kind of aquarium you want to keep.

Salinity

The salinity of your aquarium is the amount of salt in the water. Salinity is usually measured in specific gravity or parts per thousand (ppt). The ideal salinity of a saltwater aquarium is 1.025 specific gravity or 35 ppt.

Calcium

Calcium is an important part of saltwater reef aquariums. Corals use a compound called calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to build their skeletons. The ideal range of calcium in a reef aquarium 420-450 ppm. It is important to maintain consistent levels of calcium in your reef tank.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important part of saltwater reef aquariums. Corals use magnesium to grow their skeleton as well as contributes to color. The ideal range of magnesium in a reef aquarium 1260-1300 ppm. Calcium and magnesium exist in a 1:3 ratio in the wild. This is the ideal elemental balance to promote healthy coral growth.

Alkalinity

In a saltwater reef tank alkalinity helps regulate the absorption of calcium and magnesium by the corals. The ideal range of alkalinity in a reef tank is 8-11 dkH.

Phosphate

Phosphate is naturally occurring nutrient in aquariums. It is another biproduct of organic waste breakdown. It is important to maintain low levels of phosphate in your aquarium. Many plants and corals use phosphate to grow properly, however, having high levels of phosphate will lead to algal blooms.

Temperature

Temperature will vary depending on what kind of aquarium you want to keep, and what ecosystem you want to replicate. It is important to maintain your aquarium at its ideal temperature. For tropical systems you want to maintain 78-80F, for African cichlids 78-82F, for saltwater 78-80F, and species the prefer cool water, such as goldfish, should to be kept below 78F.