Understanding pH and Acid in your Saltwater Aquarium

What is pH and Acid and how are they related?

The pH (Power of Hydrogen) is the measuring unit of acidity or alkalinity on the water namely our saltwater aquarium. The degree of acidity or alkalinity is determined by the quantity of acids and bases in the water. The scale for pH ranges from 0 to 14.

If theres a equal balance of both acidity and alkalinity in the water it is considered to be neutral or scale of 7. Where as a high acidic water will have a reading of 1 comparied to a alkaline which would read 14. As the pH scale is logarithmic a slight chnace in the H number is infact a large change in reality.

Saltwater and our saltwater aquarium has a high pH value typically 8.2, thereofre our aim for our aquarium is to stay within the range of 8.1 to 8.3. A low pH in the saltwater aquarium is dangerous as it results in excess toxic ammonia, therefore its very important to maintain the correct pH level.

When pH fluctuates

The pH in your saltwater aquarium is affected by the carbon dioxide and fish waste. To much will cause the waters pH to drop. A quick fact is that during nitrogen cycle, acid is produced and alters the pH in your saltwater aquarium. It is always good to have a pH test kit in handy. This is important when monitoring the quality of your aquarium water. It is also pretty simple and easy to use. Try monitoring the pH and acid level every week to detect any changes.

When you experience a large drop in your pH level that will indicate theres an increase in carbon dioxide or the nitrogenous fish wastes. Two solutions could be to aerate the saltwater aqaurium or partial saltwater change. This will help in keeping the normal pH level.

There are two ways on maintaining pH level in its normal saltwater range.

First the saltwater itself has buffering capacity. It is the ability of a solution to resist changes in pH.

It is capable of maintaining the correct pH in spite of all the activities going on in your saltwater aquarium.

Second is it will take care of itself as long as the rules on feeding, stocking saltwater fish and other invertebrates and water changes are followed.

There are a lot of commercial salt mixes that contains buffers. It keeps the pH from falling. But overtime, the buffering capacity of your water will decrease and carbon dioxide or waste build-up will cause the pH to drop.

So what are the solutions?

Routine water changes will maintain your pH and acid at desirable levels. But if it still falls out of the acceptable range, solving it by following the guideline.

• Use a commercially manufacture aquarium buffer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Add a solution of calcium hydroxide. It is commonly called kalkwasser or limewater. It helps boost calcium level so ph also increases.

Complete guide to saltwater aquarium maintenance and care

Recommended Water Testing Kits by Saltwater Aquarium Guide

Text and Photo Source: Saltwater Aquarium Online Guide