Important 💧perimeters for flora and fauna
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The following water parameters. Thankfully they are easily tested for with commonly available test strips
Maintaining water quality is one of the most important aspects of keeping a healthy aquarium. Regular testing helps you catch imbalances before they harm your fish or plants. Here are the six key water parameters that every aquarist should monitor:
pH
pH measures how acidic or alkaline your water is. Most freshwater fish and plants thrive in a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, but some species have more specific needs. A stable pH is just as important as the actual value, so avoid sudden changes.
Carbonate Hardness (KH)
KH, or carbonate hardness, refers to the water’s buffering capacity — its ability to maintain stable pH levels. A good KH level helps prevent dangerous pH swings. For most aquariums, a moderate KH (around 3–8 °dKH) provides stability without making the water too hard.
General Hardness (GH)
GH measures the amount of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, in the water. It affects plant growth, fish health, and even breeding. Soft water species (like tetras) prefer low GH, while hard water species (like livebearers) do better with higher GH.
Nitrite (NO₂⁻)
Nitrite is a toxic byproduct of the nitrogen cycle that forms when beneficial bacteria break down ammonia. Even small amounts can be harmful to fish. A healthy, established tank should always have a nitrite level of 0 ppm.
Nitrate (NO₃⁻)
Nitrate is the end product of the nitrogen cycle. It’s far less toxic than ammonia or nitrite but should still be kept in check. Live plants help absorb nitrates, but regular water changes are also essential. Try to keep nitrate levels under 40 ppm, or lower for sensitive species.
Chlorine
Chlorine is often found in tap water and is highly toxic to fish and beneficial bacteria. Even small amounts can cause stress or death. Always use a dechlorinator when adding new water to your tank, and test to make sure chlorine levels are at 0 ppm before introducing livestock.
