Setting up an Aquarium (Part 4)

PH LEVELS

The PH Levels indicates whether a liquid in an acidic, neutral or basic (alkaline) manner. The PH scale ranges from 0 (Very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline). Neutral (neither acidic nor alkaline) is at about 7.

We are constantly confronted with the phenomenon of the PH Level in daily lives. Coca Cola, for example, has a PH Level of about 3. All dishes which we consider tasty are more or less acidic. Most fishes and plants are easily and successfully kept at PH Levels around neutral. One important piece of information is that, with concentration of the substances which determine the PH level alters 10 fold, and with a two point change the alteration is 100 fold. For this reason,any sudden fluctuation should be avoided.

The PH level is largely determined by the interrelation of carbonate hardness regulates the PH level, ensuring that it doesn't sink below 7 or rise above 8-8.5. In the morning, it will usually be about 7,and about 8 in the evening. You can measure the PH level using a PH Test Kit.

The PH level is largely determined by the interrelation of carbonate hardness raises the PH level to a certain extent, whereas CO2 lowers it. If the two balance each other out, the level is around the neutral point, 7. Plants extract CO2 from the water through assimilation, causing the PH level to gradually rise to around 8. If required, the level can be increased further to above 8 by switching off the lighting. Air stones should not be installed on any account as they force the CO2 out of the water, raising the PH level.

Nitrate

Nitrate is a highly toxic intermediate product produced during the conversion and decomposition of the fishes' excrement and other organic matter by the bacteria. Certain beneficial bacteria, also referred to as nitrifying bacteria, are responsible for this task. Unfortunately, the bacteria grow and multiply very slowly. Without a "helping hand", it would take about 2-3 weeks for the bacteria to multiply and settle sufficiently in the filter (and in the substrate). A nitrate level which initially rises very slowly to reach a high level before gradually sinking again is characteristic of these 2-3 weeks of development and maturing. Fish should not be released into the new aquarium until the nitrate level has sunk once more and is below 0.2 mg/l. You can measure this with a Nitrate Test Kit.

Plants

Why living plants?

Healthy plants have an entirely positive influence on the aquarium biotope in addition to their attractive and decorative effect. In photosynthesis, a unique chemical process to which all forms of life on earth owe to their existence (including us humans), plants use the energy of light to synthesis a major part of their own substance from water and CO2. Oxygen is produced as a waste product and release by the aquatic plants into the surrounding water.

This effectively and conveniently supplies the other inhabitants of the aquarium with vital oxygen.Of course, this process cannot take place at night (lack of energy from light) and the plants have to breathe normally. Healthy plants produce far more oxygen during the day than they consume at night.

Living plants also provide ideal hiding spaces for young fish and sites where beneficial bacteria and micro-organisms can settle. These, in turn, serve as initial sources of feed for young fish. In aquariums with healthy plant growth, the fish fall ill less frequently than otherwise.

What plants need to flourish.

Plants have some needs which have to be met, in order that the beneficial effects described above can also be enjoyed in your aquarium.

Meeting these needs is easy if you bear in mind the following tips.

Light is the source of energy which plants need for photosynthesis. This energy source can be supplied through a lighting system from an aquarium supply store. REMEMBER to change the fluorescent tubes after a year, replacing them with ones of the same colour light, even if they appear to be intact!

The most important nutrient required by plants is CO2. A CO2 fertilization unit will provide this nutrient to your aquatic plants in an ideal fashion. Check to make sure your aquarium is at least 30cm deep, which is normally the case with aquariums over 60cm long.

Other important factors are the supply of mineral nutrients and trace elements from the substrate and water. The substrate should be made up of two layers. The bottom layer, with all its reserved nutrients carefully balanced to meet the needs of the aquatic plants, nourishes the plants through their roots.

The weekly application of a basic fertilizer provides the plants with all of the primary nutrients, which are not very sensitive and can therefore be supplied in advance, as it were, through the water. Essential trace elements, which are often lacking due to their sensitive reaction to oxygen, can be given as a supplement dose each day in the form of a daily fertilizer. Thus the plants are supplied with all the essential nutrients which they require for absorption through their leaves. As additional benefit signs of deficiency, particularly much feared iron deficiency are prevented.

Thank you for reading x