Any aquarist knows that certain types of fish require special conditions, in particular a suitable level of acidity in the water. If the water is too hard, it must be acidified by introducing chemicals. How to do it?
Instructions
Step 1
The normal pH level suitable for breeding most species of aquarium fish is about 6 to 9. The salts that determine the hardness of the water make it more alkaline, and the organic secretions of the fish softer and more acidic.
Step 2
If the water is too hard, it is usually acidified by introducing the required amount of a solution of acids: acetic, orthophosphoric and others. First you need to prepare a solution of any suitable acid by adding the acid drop by drop to the water (not vice versa). Then, using a pipette, the acid is added to the water, monitoring the change in pH using indicators. For this operation, it is better to take a few liters of water from the aquarium, add acid, take the necessary measurements of the acidity level, and then, if everything is done correctly, return the water to the aquarium. This should be done in order not to harm the fish if the water is too acidic.
Step 3
You can increase the acidity of water by adding a solution of sodium dihydrogen phosphate NaH2PO4 or potassium KH2PO4. These salts give rise to an acidic reaction due to the initiation of the hydrolysis process. Enough 20-30 grams of any of these salts per 100 liters of water to get slightly acidic water with a pH of 5, 8-6, 5.
Step 4
If the water is distilled or there is very little salt in it, you can try to acidify it with peat decoction. Boil 10-20 g of peat in a liter of distilled water for 30 minutes. Then filter the broth and store in the refrigerator. To increase the acidity, add the broth to the water until it turns golden brown.
Step 5
If, on the contrary, you want to reduce the acidity of the water, add substances that have an alkaline reaction to it, for example, sodium bicarbonate - baking soda. To obtain water with a slightly alkaline reaction, it is enough to add 3 to 8 grams of the substance to a 100-liter aquarium.
