Asked on the Fish Forum by ronalb on 3/15/03, 5:57 pm

Q: ph level

Should I worry about the Ph level of a saltwater tank? and If so, why are all of the ph testers I've found labeled for freshwater only?

Answered by shanna22 on 3/15/03, 8:54 pm

A: SALTWATER PH <--- Anyone?

sorry, I know nothing about water chemistry on saltwater aquariums...... but I wanted to put saltwater PH in the header for the question, maybe it will catch one of the saltwater experts attention....

Answered by niki090909 on 3/15/03, 10:32 pm

A: ph is very important...

> sorry, I know nothing about water chemistry on saltwater
> aquariums...... but I wanted to put saltwater PH in the
> header for the question, maybe it will catch one of the
> saltwater experts attention....
>

Saltwater fish are very delicate and do need a stable and proper ph for the specific type of fish you are keeping. This is important to freshwater fish also, but saltwater seem to "demand" it more.

You should be able to find a pH test kit for saltwater. They are usually called "High Range" pH test kits. This is the same as a freshwater pH test kit only the results card will be in a higer range then fresh water.

You can get these test kits at usually most pet stores. If you having a hard time find one. Go to a bigger chain. Like Pet Smart. Any where that sells saltwater fish will and should have a test kit for you.

Hope this helps, Niki

Answered by suetrys on 3/16/03, 9:17 am

A: ph level

> Should I worry about the Ph level of a saltwater tank? and
> If so, why are all of the ph testers I've found labeled for
> freshwater only?
>
> Its very hard to find a High range saltwater test kit in most pet stores. I always bought mine online. If you go to your search engine and type in "Saltwater master liquid test kit" you will get lots of places that sell the high range kits. They have a range from 7.4 to 8.8 where the fresh water ph test kits only range from 6.0 to 7.6. Most saltwater tanks need a constant 8.0 to 8.2 range. and never lower then 8.0 With a high range kit you will be able to get the accurate reading you are looking for. And ph is so very important to maintain healthy saltwater fish.

Answered by PittyFish on 3/18/03, 8:20 pm

A: ph level

I am just starting a saltwater tank, and this may be completely irrelavent, but if the pH (potency of hydronium) is low add either a buffer from the store, or washing soda also called soda ash (sodium carbonate) can be used. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) raises the kH.