What Are the Benefits of High pH Water?

A common question with aquatic plant and fish care is what is the ideal level of pH the tank. Optimal levels of pH ensure that the organisms inside the tank can live comfortably.

  1. Benefits of High pH Water

    • There is no reason to keep a high pH tank, as most species of fish do best near neutral pH, or 7 on the pH scale. The pH requirements of fish vary by species, so research the individual needs of each species if you are going to stock a tank with multiple species.

    Effects of High pH on Fish and Plants

    • A high level of pH will cause physical harm in both plants and fish. Healthy amounts of ammonium in the water will convert into toxic ammonia. Fish have to maintain their own constant internal pH, and a small fluctuation can be fatal.

    How High pH Occurs

    • Light will raise pH values due to it causing photosynthesis in plants and algae, which create oxygen. Water you put into the tank might be high in pH.

    Managing Water High in pH

    • Managing water pH values is a difficult task. If pH is a little high but remains constant, and your aquarium life seems fine as well, do not alter the pH. Stability is the most important part of pH balance. Sudden changes in pH will hurt, stress or kill your fish and plants, so alter it in small cycles.

    The pH Values

    • The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Values 0 to 6 are considered low and acidic. Battery acid is 0 on the pH scale. A value of 7 is neutral. Pure water is 7 on the pH scale. Values of 8 to 14 are considered high and basic, or alkaline. Ammonia is 14 on the pH scale.