Roger89
Koi Lover
Dec 21, 2007, 11:04 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1314 views)
Shortcut
|
Hi Skibur, perhaps if you do a search on google you can find much more information about pH.
pH measures the acidity and alkalinity of the water. The scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 as neutral. Value less than 7 is acid and more than 7 is alkaline. If the hydrogen atoms(H+) balance out with the hydroxide(OH-) then it is neutral(pH 7). If there is excess hydrogen atoms in the water then it is more on the acid side. Vice versa. If you have a pH tester, measurment during the day when algae does their photosynthesis and produce O2 will cause the pH to rise. While since at night the algae respire and produce CO2(carbon dioxide is acidic), pH will fall.
The pH that is good for koi and the nitrifying bacteria is around 7.5 to 8.5 if I'm not wrong. Wide pH fluctuation is not good because it inflicts stress on the kois. A stable pH is needed for a healthy ecosystem. Best to keep the fluctuation just in the range of less than 0.5. To avoid pH swing or crash you need a pH buffer substance and it comes in the form of carbonate. So you need to also measure the carbonate hardness(kH) of the water too. Baking soda(soda bicarbonate) will do the trick. Otherwise oyster shells or corals.
Just from what I know. 
|
MAIN
SEARCH
WHO'S 
LOG 
