Instructions
Purchase an aquarium water test kit at your local specialty store or pet shop. You can either purchase an individual water pH test kit or you can purchase a master test kit. The master kit contains several common chemical tests in addition to pH such as the presence of nitrites and nitrates, water hardness, iron levels, and dissolved oxygen content.
Read the operation instructions that come with your pH test kit. Doing so will provide you with any important information that is specific to the test kit that you selected.
Dip the test strip into the water, as specified in the operation instructions. The strip will turn a color that indicates the pH level of the water in the tank.
Compare the test strip to the color chart that was included with your test kit. The color that your strip turns corresponds with the alkalinity of the water.
Consider options for changing the pH of your fish tank to better suit your fish. Consult with a specialist at your local pet store or see Resources for information on altering fish tank pH.
How to Test the PH Level in Your Tanks
Cultivating a successful fish tank requires knowledge of the chemical environment that is best for your fish. Each type of fish flourishes at a different range of water acidity, which is measured using the pH scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 representing a pure acid and 14 representing a pure base. You can purchase a master test kit for your aquarium or an individual pH test that will provide accurate information on your fish tank's pH level.