A stable pH value is perhaps the most underestimated factor in the aquarium hobby. While many aquarium enthusiasts focus on temperature and feeding, the acidity of the water determines whether fish, plants and beneficial bacteria actually thrive. In this blog we take a deep dive into the world of pH, from the biological necessity to the latest measuring equipment, and look at how Meytec products help keep your aquarium in balance.<\/p>\n
The pH value indicates how acidic or alkaline the water is, on a scale of 0 to 14. A value of 7 is neutral, lower is acidic and higher is alkaline. But why does this matter so much?<\/p>\n
Fish are extremely sensitive to pH fluctuations. A deviation of more than 0.3 pH per day can already cause stress. That stress lowers resistance, makes fish susceptible to disease and in serious cases can even lead to death. In addition, an incorrect pH has a direct influence on the toxicity of ammonia: the higher the pH, the more ammonium converts into toxic ammonia; especially above pH 7.5 the proportion of ammonia increases rapidly. Ammonia is fatal even in small amounts.<\/p>\n
Aquatic plants only absorb nutrients well within a certain pH range. At the wrong acidity, essential minerals such as iron and manganese can precipitate, so that plants can no longer absorb them. The result: yellowed leaves, stagnating growth and eventually dying plants. Plants also influence the pH themselves: during the day plants absorb CO\u2082, causing the pH to rise; at night they release CO\u2082, causing the pH to fall.<\/p>\n
The beneficial bacteria in your filter \u2013 responsible for converting ammonia into nitrate \u2013 work best at a stable pH. Extreme values slow down nitrification, causing harmful substances to build up. A stable pH is therefore not only important for the fish, but for the entire ecosystem in your aquarium.<\/p>\n
The ideal pH differs greatly per fish species. Roughly speaking, there are three categories:<\/p>\n
Important:<\/strong> choose fish that suit the pH of your tap water, instead of constantly trying to adjust the pH. A stable pH is more important than an “ideal” pH.<\/p>\n There are several methods for measuring the pH value in an aquarium, each with advantages and disadvantages:<\/p>\n Cheap, but often inaccurate and subjective due to colour interpretation. Suitable for a rough indication, but not for precision work.<\/p>\n A compact device that measures the pH value quickly and accurately. Ideal for periodic checks: daily, weekly or whenever you suspect something is wrong. The meter gives a digital value immediately and is easy to calibrate. The portable pH meter GT-500PH<\/a> is a fast and accurate pH meter that lets you measure the correct pH value in no time and is easy to calibrate automatically.<\/p>\n A permanently installed system in which the pH probe<\/a> sits continuously in the aquarium water or in a flow cell. The system measures continuously and can even control the CO\u2082 supply. The pH probe is the sensitive and most critical component here \u2013 a high-quality electrode, correctly maintained and properly calibrated, determines the reliability of your measurements.<\/p>\n The Meytec NXG-PH probe<\/a> is a durable pH probe with a fast response that is compatible with the majority of systems on the market.<\/p>\n Advanced systems that not only measure, but also automatically dose pH correction solution. They combine a pH controller with a dosing pump and are ideal for demanding aquariums. Take a look at Meytec’s pH probes and pH buffer solutions<\/a> for reliable pH measurement in your aquarium.<\/p>\n Important:<\/strong> the Meytec NXG-PH probe is compatible with any device that has a BNC input and accepts an electrode with a diameter of 12 mm.<\/p>\nHow do you measure pH in an aquarium?<\/h2>\n
Test strips or drop tests<\/h3>\n
Portable pH meter (handheld)<\/h3>\n
Fixed pH measuring and control system (pH probe)<\/h3>\n
pH dosing devices<\/h3>\n
Top pH brands in Europe: models and Meytec compatibility<\/h2>\n