Does Your Aquarium Have The Right Temperature, pH, Oxygen, and Toxicity Levels?

Fish suffering from stress are more susceptible to infections and diseases. They are many factors that can cause your fish to become stressed. Common causes are incorrect or fluctuating water conditions, particularly in pH, temperature, excessive levels of toxins like nitrite, ammonia or hydrogen sulfide (mainly due to poor filtration) and low levels of dissolved oxygen.

Common symptoms of stress: the fish is lethargic and hovers at the bottom of the tank; its gills are red or bleeding; it is gasping for air at the water surface; it has a lack of appetite.

To prevent fish from falling ill, provide them with a stress-free environment. If you detect tell-tale signs of stress or disease, remove the possible causes immediately, then diagnose and administer the right treatment if necessary.

The Four Areas That You Need To Monitor

Thermal Fluctuations

Fish may suffer thermal stress when they are taken from one environment and placed instantly into another with a higher or lower temperature. They should not be subjected to sudden temperature fluctuations of more than two to three deg C.

If you use a heater in your aquarium, keep regular checks on the water temperature. Adjust the heater if the temperature is out of the correct range.

pH Level

Most aquarium fish live in environments with a pH level of between 6.5 and 8.5. To avoid pH trauma, the pH levels of the water must remain fairly constant. Use the appropriate pH test kits and/or alkalinity test kits for your aquarium.

If the level needs to be corrected, make gradual adjustment of not more than +0.3 pH units per day. pH level can be lowered by using distilled water when making partial water changes.

Oxygen Level

2 levels in excess of 25 to 30ppm are dangerous for fish and can lead to suffocation. This can be easily checked with Mini Lab Oxygen Test Kit.

Check the filter to ensure it is working properly to keep the water well-aerated. If there is oil or scum on the water surface, carefully scoop water of the surface until you have removed about two inches of water. Use fresh water to replace the amount that has been removed.

Toxicity Levels

Toxicity levels vary, depending on the species, size, and metabolic rate of the fish. Toxic substances usually come in contact with fish through the gills, rather than the skin. The toxins act rapidly as they enter the bloodstream directly. And degree of poisoning will weaken the fish, making it vulnerable to disease.

Lack of maintenance and an extended power outage may also lead to the formation of hydrogen sulfide within the gravel or the filtration system.

Gravel improves the aesthetics of your aquarium but it also traps decaying matter. You can avoid problems by not having any gravel, or keeping only a very thin layer in the aquarium, or cleaning it regularly.

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