The pH value is one of the most important values of aquarium and pond water. Biological processes in the water can cause the pH value to change over time. Because all aquarium and pond inhabitants react very sensitively to changes in the pH value, regular monitoring is necessary.
The pH value or acidity of the water is highly dependent on the dissolved salts and substances in the water. For example, water from the blackwater rivers in South America has a low pH value, which means the water is acidic. Blackwater contains many humic acids that are absorbed from the humus layer. In Lake Tanganyika in Southeast Africa, a lot of lime has dissolved from the rock. This causes the pH value to rise. The water is alkaline.
Different fish are accustomed to different pH values due to their origin. This is one reason why not all types of fish can be kept together in one aquarium. It is important to imitate the natural habitat of the fish.
For a community aquarium with fish and plants, a pH value between 6.5 and 7.5 pH is ideal. In some cases a higher or lower pH value may be necessary. For a pond, pH values between 7 and 8 pH are ideal.
In most cases the pH value can be easily changed by adding preparations. There are pH-increasing and pH-lowering products available.
With HS aqua pH-Plus for the aquarium, the pH value can be quickly increased. With HS aqua KH-Plus the pH value can be increased at the same time as the KH value up to a maximum of pH 8. HS aqua pH/KH-minus and HS aqua Oak extract lower the pH value. The difference between the two products is that HS aqua Oak extract, in addition to its pH-lowering effect, also adds natural humic substances to the water. This is desirable, for example, with fish from South America. In most cases, these products work quickly and without objection.
In some cases, the water may resist a reduction in the pH value. The buffering capacity of the water is then too high. This buffering capacity must first be reduced before the pH value drops. The amount of HS aqua pH/KH-minus or HS aqua Oak extract required to achieve the desired pH value depends on the KH value. With a high KH value, a larger amount of product is required.
The peat-containing filter material HS aqua Torogran also lowers the pH value in a natural way. The water also turns light brown, which creates a natural environment for the fish.
The most professional way to lower the pH value is to use the HS aqua CO2 products. Together with an electronic pH controller you can automatically keep the pH value stable.
Measuring range: pH 4-10
Contents: approx. 140 tests
