If you’re going to build a balanced and healthy environment for your marine life, you need to ensure you can meet the proper tank conditions. Like temperature and lighting, the pH measurement of the water is one of these parameters to keep in mind. In fact, by keeping a consistent pH, your tank will be able to support whatever species you decide to introduce to it. This is everything you need to know about pH in a reef tank and how to maintain the appropriate levels.
What Is pH?
To begin, pH is a measurement of how acidic or basic a certain solution is. It’s determined by a placement on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. Substances that measure at 7 are considered neutral, while those closer to 0 are acidic and ones toward 14 are basic. Typically, the pH scale is used to test chemical compounds. However, ocean water has its own pH, which you need to consider when building a saltwater aquarium.
The Preferred pH for a Reef Aquarium
Believe it or not, the average alkalinity of salt water is actually closer to neutral or basic measurements—about a 7.6 on the pH scale. So, if you decide to mix your own water for your reef tank, you want to ensure it isn’t any more acidic than this. Otherwise, you risk it becoming dangerous to your fish and corrosive to many of your tank systems. For the proper balance, it’s recommended that you use salt water with a pH between 7.6 and 8.4, though these numbers could vary depending on the preferences of your fish.
How To Track Your Tank’s pH
A crucial component of regular tank maintenance is to check the chemical levels of the water. This refers to a plethora of substances such as calcium, nitrite, and nitrate. But pH is something you should always check as well. This measurement can rise and fall with the addition of other materials in the environment. So, frequent testing is key to preventing an illness outbreak among your fish and corals. You can measure pH with specialized testing strips. Submerging the strip in the tank water will trigger a reaction that reveals a certain color on the scale. This color will match up with different numerical values.
If you have any remaining questions about the appropriate pH balance for your aquarium, call World Wide Corals. Our staff of knowledgeable experts can inform you of everything you need to know about pH in a reef tank and what you need to do to maintain it. We can also provide you with beautiful coral packs for your display. Each of our specimens is carefully aquacultured in our own facilities, so you know you’re getting what you pay for.
