The Kactoily 6-in-1 water quality monitor can provide breeders with real-time information about Temperature, pH, TDS, EC, Salinity, and S.G. of the fish tank/grass tank.

By doing so, breeders can gain a better understanding of the chemical conditions in the fish tanks. In order to maintain a stable and healthy environment for aquatic pets, it is essential to discover and solve problems with water quality in time.

Water quality requirements vary according to the type of aquatic pet. Breeders can also adjust water quality parameters to meet the needs of different types of aquatic pets in fish tanks by using Kactoily water quality monitors. It will improve their quality of life and survival rate.

 

• Temperature

When it comes to managing fish tank water quality, the temperature is one of the most important parameters. The water temperature has a great influence on the growth, health, and reproduction of aquatic animals and plants.There are different requirements for water temperature for different types of fish.

Tropical fish generally require water temperatures between 24℃ and 30℃. Cold-water fish generally require water temperatures of 10-20 °C. If the water temperature is too high or too low, it will negatively affect the growth and health of the fish.

Water temperatures that are too high will easily deplete dissolved oxygen in the water and cause fish breathing problems. It is easy to cause fish diseases if the water temperature is too low, as it will affect digestion and immune system functions.

Therefore, fish tank management requires measuring the water temperature regularly and keeping it stable.

 

Tip for Water Temperature:

 

The water temperature can be measured with Kactoily Water Monitors and controlled by adjusting the heater or cooler. At the same time, it can also maintain a stable water temperature through reasonable lighting, filtration and ventilation.

 

• pH

The pH value is an index of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in water, which indicates the acidity and alkalinity of the water. Acidic water has a lower pH; alkaline water has a higher pH; and neutral water has a pH of 7.

It is important to note that different fish species need different pH ranges. The pH of the water can affect the fish's health as well. Low pH levels in water will enhance the toxicity of ammonia, which will have a negative effect on fish health.

It is important to note, however, that if the pH value of the water is too high, it will affect the respiratory and digestive functions of the fish, causing them to get sick or even die.

The pH level of water should be between 6.5 and 8.5. Most freshwater fish prefer a pH of 6.5–7.5. Tropical fish require a pH value between 6.5–8.0. A pH of 8.0–8.4 is ideal for saltwater fish.

 

Tip for High pH:

 

• Choose a water source with less fluctuation. If your tap water has a high pH, consider using reverse osmosis or deionized water to minimize pH fluctuations (filtered or purified water is recommended).
• Add peat or keep fish that prefer acidic water. Peat is a naturally acidic medium that lowers water pH. Keeping some acid-loving fish species can also help maintain a lower pH.
• Use pH adjusters. PH adjusters can be used to increase or decrease the pH of the water. However, they should be used carefully to avoid drastic pH fluctuations.

 

Tip for Low pH:

 

Increasing the amount of carbonates in the water, such as sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, can raise the pH of the water. However, be careful to add it gradually and monitor the pH change.

 

• Use crushed shells or coral sand. Crushed shells or coral sand are sources of carbonates and can help maintain a high pH.

• Keep alkaline-loving fish. Choose alkaline-loving fish species, which are usually better suited to surviving in high-pH environments.

• Reduce overfeeding. Overfeeding may lower the water quality, lowering the pH. Ensure feeding in moderation and clean the tank regularly.

 

When adjusting pH, try to avoid drastic pH changes, as this may adversely affect fish and aquatic life. It is best practice to make gradual adjustments and continuously monitor water quality parameters. This is to ensure that the pH in the tank remains stable within the appropriate range.

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

TDS refers to the total dissolved solids in the fish tank, usually expressed in PPM (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per liter).

It is an indicator of the concentration of dissolved substances in water, including dissolved minerals, organic and inorganic substances. The large range is usually displayed in ppt (1 ppt = 1000 ppm), the small range is typically displayed in ppm, and the unit is usually switched automatically to ensure numerical display.

It is generally recommended to maintain the TDS of the tank between 150-500 ppm to ensure that fish and aquatic plants grow properly. Having a low TDS can result in a lack of essential trace elements in the water, while having a high TDS can result in water that is too dense, which can make breathing and growing difficult for fish.

Therefore, adjusting the TDS value of the fish tank should be done according to the situation.

It is possible for fish to tolerate low nitrogen and phosphorus levels, but not algae. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the main factors in algae formation, and diligent water changes can lower nutrients. For more nutritious aquatic grass mud, due to its better fertility and higher nitrogen and phosphorus levels, it will be prone to algae over time.

It is recommended to use professional instruments to monitor water quality. Then, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary problems by combining your needs to improve water quality.

What is the effect of high TDS on aquatic plants?

Tap water in some countries or cities has a TDS of 300 ppm or higher, and the water is hard.

Hard water tends to be alkaline, the main components of which are bicarbonate and calcium and magnesium ions. Use tap water to grow plants that are susceptible to bristle algae and cyanobacteria. Some cyanobacteria will even produce toxins.

Water is an ecosystem. Generally speaking, aquatic plant enthusiasts prefer pure water to maintain their plants. This is also why pure water is important for corals in marine tanks.

 

Tip for High TDS:

 

• Water change. Lower the TDS by changing a partial amount of water. Please make sure the new water is purified and suitable for your fish.
• Use reverse osmosis or deionized water. Reverse osmosis or deionized water usually has a lower TDS value and can be used to mix aquarium water to reduce TDS.
• Filtration system. Use a highly efficient filtration system, such as a reverse osmosis system or ion exchange resin to remove excess dissolved material.
• Reduce breeding and feeding. Increased waste and residue in the water can result from overbreeding or overfeeding, which can raise the TDS.

 

Tip for Low TDS:

 

• Add salt. You may need to add some salt to your water to increase the TDS if you have some fish that require higher TDS water quality. Salt suitable for freshwater fish should be used in freshwater tanks, and saltwater salt should be used in marine tanks.
• Water change. You can increase the TDS by adding water that has a higher TDS. Be careful to ensure the TDS of the new water is suitable for your fish.
• Keep fish that can be kept in low-TDS water. If your water has a low TDS, consider keeping fish suitable for this water quality.
• Add minerals. Add the right amount of water stabilizer or mineral salts if the TDS is low because of a lack of minerals.

 

 

It is essential to maintain stable water quality parameters regardless of whether your tank's TDS is high or low. This is because drastic fluctuations in water quality can have a negative impact on your fish. Monitor water parameters regularly and improve the water environment as needed to maintain the right water quality for your fish.

 

• EC (Electrical conductivity)

The electrical conductivity of fish tank water is determined by the concentration or content of conductive substances. This indicator measures the ionized substance concentration in water.

Depending on the unit, it's Siemens per meter (S/m) or millisiemens per centimeter (mS/ cm). 1mS/cm=1000μS/cm, often used to detect the purity and pollution degree of water quality. Electrical conductivity in a fish tank depends on things like the type, quantity, feed, and filtration system of the fish. Generally speaking, tropical fish grow better with water conductivity between 200 and 500 μS/cm.

The electrical conductivity of water is a measure of its electrolyte content or the concentration of total dissolved substances (TDS). It is important for monitoring and maintaining the water quality in your fish tank.

 

High or low electrical conductivity can adversely affect the ecosystem in your aquarium. The following methods can be used to deal with high and low conductivity:

 

Tip for High EC:

 

• Water change. You can replace some existing water with new, lower-conductivity water. Make sure the conductivity of the new water is suitable for your species.
• Use reverse osmosis or deionized water. Reverse osmosis or deionized water usually has a very low conductivity and can be used to mix tank water to lower conductivity.
• Filtration system. Use a high-efficiency filtration system such as reverse osmosis or ion exchange resin to remove excess electrolytes and TDS.
• Check the water source. If your tap water has high conductivity, you may need to consider using an alternative water source such as rainwater or filtered water.

 

Tip for Low EC:

 

• Add salt or minerals. Adding salt or minerals to the water can increase the conductivity of water if you keep fish that require higher conductivity.
• Use a suitable water source. Ensure that the water source meets the needs of your fish species by choosing a source that is suitable.
• Check the filtration system. Ensure that your filtration system does not filter out too much electrolyte and can be adjusted properly.
• Check your feeding habits. Avoid overfeeding or overbreeding, as this may lead to lower TDS.

 

Maintaining stable conductivity is critical to the health of fish and aquatic life because it is an important parameter of tank water quality. Be sure to monitor water quality regularly and make adjustments as needed to maintain the right water quality for your fish.

 

• Salinity

Normally, salt doesn't need to be added to freshwater fish tanks. Freshwater fish and aquatic plants can be negatively affected by salt because it changes the chemical composition of the water. However, you can add salts in some cases, like to treat fish diseases or improve electrical conductivity. Salt should generally not exceed 3000 ppm, or 0.3%, in freshwater fish tanks.

In saltwater tanks, salinity is the ratio of salt in saltwater, which is usually expressed as salinity, but can also be expressed as specific gravity. The unit of salinity is ‰ (one thousandth), while specific gravity has no unit, usually between 1.020 and 1.026.

In saltwater tanks, the density of the water and the amount of dissolved oxygen can be controlled by regulating salinity. Additionally, salinity affects fish physiological activities such as respiration, eating, and metabolism.

Therefore, maintaining a proper salinity level is very significant for the health and stable operation of saltwater tanks. Generally speaking, the salinity of saltwater tanks should be controlled between 32‰-35‰ (3.2%–3.5%) to adapt to the survival needs of the vast majority of seawater organisms.

Salinity in an aquarium is the concentration of dissolved salts in the water. This is an important parameter for saltwater aquariums and some freshwater aquariums. High or low salinity can adversely affect fish and aquatic organisms, and here's how to solve it:

 

Tip for High Salinity:

 

1. Water change. Replace part of the water by mixing high-salinity water with fresh or low-salinity water. It is important to replace the water gradually in order to avoid a sudden drop in salinity.
2. Check the salt addition. If you are using a sea salt mixture, make sure it is formulated correctly. You should reduce the amount of salt added if you add it directly to the tank.

 

Tip for Low Salinity:

 

1. Add salt. According to the manufacturer's recommendation, gradually add sea salt or table salt to increase salinity levels.
2. Monitor your salinity. Check the salinity regularly, especially after water changes, to ensure it stays within the correct range.

 

Ensure that the salinity levels for your fish species are appropriate based on their needs. Regular monitoring and proper salinity adjustment are key to maintaining fish tank water salinity. Please avoid drastic salinity fluctuations, as this can adversely affect fish and aquatic life.

 

• SG (Specific Gravity)

The specific gravity of fish tank water is the ratio of its density to that of pure water. It is commonly used to measure salinity or dissolved substances concentration in fish tanks.

The salinity of saltwater aquariums is usually measured using a hydrometer. According to the international salinity standard, the unit of salinity is PPT, and 1 PPT is equal to 1 gram of salt dissolved in 1 kilogram of water.

As a result, specific gravity and salinity have a certain conversion relationship. If the specific gravity of the water is 1.022, the corresponding salinity will be about 30 PPT (3%), which is an ideal range of salinity for saltwater tanks.

It is usually not necessary to measure specific gravity in freshwater tanks because freshwater density is similar to pure water, usually 1.000.

In tank water, the specific gravity refers to the amount of dissolved substances, particularly salt. The specific gravity of a fish tank is especially significant for saltwater aquariums because it directly reflects the quality of the salinity of water in the tank. High or low specific gravity can adversely affect fish and aquatic life, and here are ways to address high and low specific gravity:

 

Tip for High SG:

1. Water change. Replace part of the water by mixing high SG water with fresh or low SG water. It is important to replace the water gradually in order to avoid a sudden drop in SG.
2. Use reverse osmosis or deionized water. Typically, these waters have a very low concentration of dissolved substances and can be used for mixing aquarium water and lowering its specific gravity.
3. Check the salt addition. If you are using a sea salt mixture, make sure it is formulated correctly. You should reduce the amount of salt added if you add it directly to the tank.

 

Tip for Low SG:

1. Add salt. According to the manufacturer's recommendation, gradually add sea salt or table salt to increase SG
2. Monitor your SG. Check the SG regularly, especially after water changes, to ensure it stays within the correct range.

 

Ensure that the SG levels for your fish species are appropriate based on their needs. Regular monitoring and proper SG adjustment are key to maintaining fish tank water quality. Please avoid drastic SG fluctuations, as this can adversely affect fish and aquatic life.