Aquarium Water pH
pH is the meaurement of hydrogen ions; in other words it shows if the water is acidic neutral or alkaline.
pH of neutral water is 7. If pH is lower than 7 the water is acidic, if pH is highre than 7 the water is alkaline.
Fishes mostly feel well in neutral water. However there are fishes that need alkaline water (e.g. Malavi and Tanganyika Cichlids),
and fishes that need acidic water (e.g. Amazon river Characins)
As a rule an "alkaline" aquarium is more difficult to maintain than an "acidic" one.
Acidic water kills harmfull bacterias and fungus; on the other hand organic matters resolved in alkaline water can produce hydrogen sulphide (H2S), especially if an oxygen concentration in the water is low.
So "alkaline" tank need more aeration, filtration, water changing and cleaning.
How to increase pH
Use baking soda NaHCO3
Aerate water, to decrease concentration of carbon dioxide CO2
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How to decrease pH
Use infusion of oak bark or alder cone
Filter the water over peat
Put carefully boiled snags into the tank (oak or willow)
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Also there are commercial products to correct pH, e.g.
Kent Freshwater pH Stable Aquarium Buffer
Neutral Regulator
Kent pH Control Minus
etc.
Important: pH changes must be done gradually!
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