How To Handle Fish Tank Ph Changes

Fish enthusiasts are always talking about changes to aquarium pH. But most times the concern about pH changes really isn't that necessary, or something to worry too much about. In their original ecosystem, these fish live in a variety of pH levels and aren't really affected by it. Even in fish stores where the sellers are more concerned about quantity and have too many fish to care for, pH isn't really something that takes up much of their thoughts.

It is when the fish comes home with us, then from reading too many guides and how tos, that we pay too much concern on the environment within the aquarium and pamper the fish in a perfect world where temperatures are ideal, water is pristine and pH is measured like a lab test. This only makes them less hardy to fluctuations.

Mixing in chemicals to adjust pH levels is not ever a good idea. The chemicals will act to suddenly adjust the pH and it is the shock of the pH change that will be harmful to the fish. However, there are some things that you can do to adjust the pH levels slowly. To lower pH levels, add a piece of wood as aquarium decoration and if you want to increase the pH level, add a sea shell or some corals. Doing this will not drastically alter the pH level of the water and will give your aquatic life time to adjust itself.

There are times when you might notice a sudden spike from pH levels. The sudden changes that happen can be detrimental to the fish and needs to be solved urgently. But the action that you should take is to identify the cause rather than fight the effect. Check the water source first. If you got the water from a tap, make sure that it is this tap water that is not contaminated. Usually it isn't the source that's the problem but it is always good to be certain.

Once that's done, think if you have put in something new into your aquarium. A new decoration, new gravel, new filter media, anything? It is usually the introduction of something new that causes the rapid pH change.

Take out the items that you think is causing the pH change, perform a 50% change of water, then monitor it for a couple of days. Most of the time, this will solve your pH problems. The new water that you've put in will buffer the pH to more tolerable levels.

Avoiding pH changes is always the best idea. After all, isn't prevention always better than cure? And this is actually easier than it seems.

Firstly, reduce the amount of chemicals that you use in the fish tank water. Most of the chemicals fish breeders use in their fish tank isn't that important, so just add in the important stuff. Consult an expert on what is necessary and what is a waste of time.

Secondly, don't keep changing the tank decoration. New decoration takes some time to adjust to the adjust to the water conditions and changing the decorations too much will just throw everything off balance.

Lastly, don't ignore your fish tank maintenance. Weekly water changes are ideal and works wonders in maintaining the delicate balance in the tank environment.