What is pH?
Technically it is the measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration of a given sample of water. From this measurement it can be determined whether the water is acid, neutral or alkaline. A pH of 7.0 is neutral, a pH less than 7 is acidic, and a pH greater than 7 is alkaline. The indicator in this kit has a pH range from 6.0 to 7.8 and is therefore suitable for most freshwater aquaria. At or below pH 6.0 the test sample would turn yellow. At or above pH 7.8 the test sample would turn blue.
WHY PH CHANGES
pH is not a constant factor and is subject to continual change due to influences like bacterial assimilation of waste causing acidity or calcium and magnesium compounds like shells or coral that cause alkalinity. Thus, under normal aquarium conditions, because of fish waste and unused food, the water would drift to acidity.
TYPICAL FRESHWATER CONDITIONS
Amazon River Systems - The water is soft, usually below 50ppm hardness and a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Such water is suitable for Tetras, Discus, Angels and Corydoras. Use Aquasonic AMAZON WATER CONDITIONER to recreate these same conditions in your aquarium.
Central American Rivers / Livebearers - Water is quite hard 300ppm up to 500ppm and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Guppies, Swordtails, Platties and Mollies find this water suitable. Use Aquasonic LIVEBEARER WATER CONDITIONER for optimal conditions in your aquarium.
Asian River Systems - Water is soft, mostly less than 50ppm and a pH from 5.0 to 7.0. Such water is suitable for Gouramis, Sharks, Barbs, etc. Use Aquasonic TROPICAL WATER CONDITIONER to re-create the natural condition in your aquarium.
Cold Water Systems - Water in these systems have a neutral pH of 6.5-7.5 and suit species such as Goldfish & Kio-carp etc. Aquasonic GOLDFISH WATER CONDITIONER has been formulated to re-create natural conditions in your aquarium.
