Maintaining a healthy and stable environment in your aquarium is crucial for the well-being of your fish and other aquatic life. We have put together a comprehensive guide to help you ensure that your aquarium water’s pH and EC/TDS levels are well-kept and maintained at all times!
Monitoring pH levels
Freshwater aquariums generally require a pH of 6.5-7.5. Be aware, that some species may require different levels, so always make sure to research your inhabitants’ needs beforehand. Saltwater aquariums on the other side work the best, if their water is kept at a pH of 8.1-8.4. If you own a saltwater tank, note that regular pH meters might not work in saline liquids!
When adjusting pH, the more natural and least invasive methods are always the best and safest to choose. Use products like crushed coral, limestone to raise, and peat moss or driftwood to lower pH. If you want to opt for a quicker effect, try pH buffers or pH reducers depending on the desired outcome.
We recommend our AD12 pH meter for best measurement results!
Understanding EC/TDS
EC measures the water's ability to conduct electricity, which correlates with the concentration of dissolved salts. TDS represents the total amount of dissolved solids in the water, including minerals, salts, and organic matter. These two indicators can usually be measured by the same device, because technically they represent the same quality of the water, only with different approaches in logic.
In freshwater tanks TDS levels between 150-250 ppm are generally acceptable, but this can vary based on the specific needs of the species. In saltwater aquariums TDS levels should be around 35 ppt (parts per thousand), equivalent to about 53 mS/cm in EC.
To lower EC/TDS, perform water changes with pure (deionized or distilled) water to dilute the concentration of dissolved solids. For raising EC/TDS levels, add minerals or commercial salt mixes to the water to increase the concentration of dissolved solids.
If you are in the market for a new EC/TDS meter, our AD32 is the perfect choice for you!
Testing and adjustment schedule
On a weekly basis, you should test pH, ammonia and nitrate levels, perform a partial water change and check and clean the filter if needed. It is advised to test EC/TDS levels, deep clean the substrate and decorations, and trim and maintain live plants at least once a month.
Pro tips
- Stability is key! Avoid making sudden changes to the water chemistry as this can stress the fish. Make adjustments gradually.
- Quarantine new fish or plants before adding them to the main tank to prevent the introduction of diseases and parasites