![]() ![]() We like using the multi-test strips for easy measurement of KH as part of our regular water change routine. African cichlids, on the other hand, appreciate KH higher than 10 dKH (or 180 ppm), which usually goes hand in hand with higher pH levels. If you need to lower the pH for animals like discus or crystal shrimp, you’ll need to decrease the KH to 0-3 dKH (or 0-50 ppm). Typically, freshwater aquariums should be between 4-8 dKH (or 70-140 ppm). ![]() KH is measured in dKH (degrees of KH) or ppm (parts per million), where 1 dKH equals 17.9 ppm. What is the Ideal KH Level for Aquariums? Therefore, people with low KH in their tap water often use crushed coral to gradually raise the KH (or increase the size of their trash can) and prevent pH crashes. If we overflow that trash can, then a pH crash occurs. The higher the KH, the larger the trash can. High KH means your water has more buffering capacity and the pH level is hard to change. Low KH means your water has less buffering capacity and the pH swings easily. This means that KH helps neutralize acids and prevents your pH from changing too rapidly, which is useful because sudden pH crashes can cause health issues in your fish. KH measures the amount of carbonates and bicarbonates in water, which affects the buffering capacity of the water. The key is to maintain a relatively stable pH with no sudden spikes, and most fish will adapt.Īquarium Co-Op multi-test strips allow you to quickly and easily measure pH, KH, and GH in just 1 minute. If your aquarium has experienced a pH crash, your fish may show signs of stress, such as frantic swimming, lethargy, rapid breathing, or other erratic behavior.īottom line: pH in a fish tank naturally changes throughout the day. Other times you may want to test pH include a) when you are trying to maintain a specific pH level (such as for breeding purposes) or b) if you are troubleshooting health issues with your fish. ![]() How to Measure pHĪquarium Co-Op Multi-Test Strips include a test for measuring pH, and we recommend using it as part of your tank maintenance routine. Generally, the pH level isn’t a critical number to hit if you’re keeping fish for fun, but it can become more important if you’re trying to breed certain fish and raise their fry. South American fish and Caridina crystal shrimp tend to prefer lower pH, whereas African cichlids and livebearers prefer higher pH. Most freshwater fish are happy at pH levels between 6.5 to 8.0. What is the Ideal pH Level for Aquariums? Acidic liquids (such as orange juice and vinegar) have a pH of less than 7.0, and alkaline liquids (like green tea and soap) have a pH of more than 7.0. ![]() On a scale of 0 to 14, pure water has a neutral pH of 7.0. PH measures the amount of hydrogen ions in liquids and tells you how acidic or basic is your water. What’s the difference between them, and how do they impact our fish? This practical guide for beginners explains what these parameters mean, when you should test for them, and how to raise or lower their levels if needed. PH, GH, and KH are terms commonly used in water chemistry, but there is a lot of confusion about them in the freshwater aquarium hobby. ![]()
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