Understanding Water Parameters
What every water parameter means, ideal ranges, and how to fix problems.
The Essential Parameters
Ammonia (NH₃/NH₄⁺)
Ideal: 0 ppm. Highly toxic. Even 0.5 ppm damages gills. Produced by fish waste and decaying food.
Nitrite (NO₂⁻)
Ideal: 0 ppm. Binds to haemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport. Even 0.5 ppm is harmful.
Nitrate (NO₃⁻)
Ideal: Below 20 ppm (max 40 ppm). Less toxic but causes chronic stress and algae at high levels.
pH
Ideal: 6.5-7.5. More important than the exact number is stability. A stable pH of 7.8 beats a pH swinging between 6.5-7.5.
General Hardness (GH)
Ideal: Species-dependent (4-12 dGH for most fish). Measures calcium and magnesium. Affects osmoregulation.
Carbonate Hardness (KH)
Ideal: 3-8 dKH. Your water's pH buffer. Low KH (below 2) risks pH crash.
Temperature
Ideal: 24-28°C. Keep stable — daily fluctuations over 2°C are stressful.
How to Test
- Liquid kits (API Master Kit): More accurate, ₹1,000-2,000
- Test strips: Faster but less accurate
Quick Reference Fixes
| Problem | Immediate Fix | Long-term Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia > 0 | 50% water change, dose Prime | Cycle properly, reduce stocking |
| Nitrate > 40 | 50% water change | More frequent changes, add plants |
| pH too high | Indian almond leaves, driftwood | Use RO water or peat filter |
| pH too low | Crushed coral in filter | Limestone or coral sand substrate |
Pro Tip: Test your tap water directly for a baseline. Most Indian municipal water is pH 7.0-8.0 with moderate hardness.
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