The understanding I have been taught is that a bubblier does nothing but cause surface agitation which is where the gas exchange can happen. The only other thing an aerator could do is help bring water from the bottom of the tank up to the surface to help with that aeration issue.. just make sure you bubbles are not too small that's the biggest thing.
over aeration cause pH to raise??
- Thread starter benito1188
- Start date
First of all, there are two different types of water hardness.
You have kH or carbonate hardness, which is the measure of bicarbonate and carbonate ions in the water. This is also known as temporary hardness. kH will affect the buffering capacity of the water and therefore, the higher the kH, the higher the subsquent pH as it becomes stabilized.
The second type of hardness, is gH or general hardness. This is primarily a measure of magnesium and calcium ions in the water. This is also known as permanent hardness as it cannot be changed by boiling the water like kH can. gH is what is being referred to when terms of "hard" and "soft" water are used as it applies to fish and plant life in the aquarium.
Now, to answer your original question about aeration changing water pH. Yes it can, by forcing off CO2, not adding O2 as others have suggested. This changes your kH readings and will help to buffer the water, resulting in higher pH readings. For the most part, this is good for the general health of your non-planted aquarium. As the kH and subsequent pH are raised, toxins like ammonia and nitrite aren't as easily absorbed into the fish's bloodstream. This is good.
I hope you find that to be useful.
You have kH or carbonate hardness, which is the measure of bicarbonate and carbonate ions in the water. This is also known as temporary hardness. kH will affect the buffering capacity of the water and therefore, the higher the kH, the higher the subsquent pH as it becomes stabilized.
The second type of hardness, is gH or general hardness. This is primarily a measure of magnesium and calcium ions in the water. This is also known as permanent hardness as it cannot be changed by boiling the water like kH can. gH is what is being referred to when terms of "hard" and "soft" water are used as it applies to fish and plant life in the aquarium.
Now, to answer your original question about aeration changing water pH. Yes it can, by forcing off CO2, not adding O2 as others have suggested. This changes your kH readings and will help to buffer the water, resulting in higher pH readings. For the most part, this is good for the general health of your non-planted aquarium. As the kH and subsequent pH are raised, toxins like ammonia and nitrite aren't as easily absorbed into the fish's bloodstream. This is good.
I hope you find that to be useful.
oscarluvr;1848970; said:
This is contradictory information. Low pH, as would naturally occur in a planted tank, is acidic in characteristics. Higher pH will increase the alkalinity of your water and is not good for a planted tank as it's indicative of low CO2 levels.
goldenchild;1853497; said:Jeez another factor to worry about.
There's really nothing to worry about. It's not going to turn your water into milk-of-magnesia! Aeration just increases the alkaline characteristics of water. In the simplest terms, it's good for your fish. It helps to stabilize the chemistry of your water.
Thanks, I started reading the thread and panicing.Hawkfish3.0;1853513; said:
By the end I'm clam again.
so pH doesnt get unstable right???? so if im keeping discus, which are a little delicate to pH swing than other fish, over aerating shouldnt be an issue??
benito1188;1854176; said:
Aeration, along with consistent water changes and good filtration should keep your pH very stable and provide a safe environment for your discus. It's all about the basics.
Wait a minute guys, I need to back up for a minute. I got going on too many threads dealing with water chemistry at once.
Aeration doesn't change your pH, it raises your kH, or temporary hardness. This acts as a buffer, and stabilizes your pH. Raising your kH also makes ammonia and nitrites less toxic to your fish.
I hope I don't have any other threads where I need to correct myself!
Basically what I meant to say was, aeration will raise kH and subsequent pH to a close to neutral level and help to maintain that pH level by increasing the buffering capacity of the water.
Phew!
Aeration doesn't change your pH, it raises your kH, or temporary hardness. This acts as a buffer, and stabilizes your pH. Raising your kH also makes ammonia and nitrites less toxic to your fish.
I hope I don't have any other threads where I need to correct myself!
Basically what I meant to say was, aeration will raise kH and subsequent pH to a close to neutral level and help to maintain that pH level by increasing the buffering capacity of the water.
Phew!
