Aquarium Water pH Levels

pH Test Kits

This week, I want to talk about the importance of the aquarium water pH levels. Knowing what your aquarium’s pH is and what that number means are two very important things every fish owner must know. A simple aquarium water test kit, available at most pet stores, will provide a reasonably accurate reading of the water’s pH. 

Now, keep in mind that while pH is one of the most common concerns and it’s extremely important to keep track of it, an aquarium with a pH level that’s too high or low is not necessarily a death sentence for your fish. Some fish can survive in water with wither high or low pH, but most fish have pH requirements. Though some exotic fish are more particular about the pH they require, even most of these fish are only particular about pH when they are breeding, so the only side effect of not maintaining an ideal pH is that the fish will not spawn. Unfortunately, there is a growing trend in the pet industry to believe that the pH in a fish tank needs to be 7.0 or very close to that, but this is not always the case - some breeds of fish prefer more basic or acidic waters.

When I first started my research into all this, like most of you probably are, I found myself asking: what is pH?

pH (potential of Hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity (softness) or alkalinity (hardness) of a liquid substance. pH is measured on a scale of 1-14 with 7 being neutral. Something with a pH lower than 7 is acidic. Something with a pH higher than 7 is basic. If the solution has an equal amount of acidic and alkaline molecules, the pH is considered neutral. Water has a natural pH of 7, but the water you are using in your tank may be different because of chemicals that are suspended or dissolved in the water. These chemicals fall into three categories: acids, bases, and buffers. Acids are chemicals that lower the pH, or make the water more acidic, bases are chemicals that raise the pH of the water, or make it more basic (or alkaline), and buffers are chemicals that can “tie up” acids or bases and keep the water’s pH level stable. Different buffers will keep the pH at different values.

Aquarium hobbyists rely heavily on pH measurements for proper fish keeping. Large bodies of water such as lakes and oceans have very little pH fluctuation, making fish intolerant of pH swings. Decaying plants, left over fish food and even fish waste all have a tendency to lower pH in an aquarium, while certain types of rocks and shells can continuously release trace amounts of calcium, boosting alkalinity. Fish keeping becomes a pH balancing act, as fishes subjected to pH swings are prone to disease and early death.

Due to chemical water treatment and other factors, tap water in many large cities throughout the U.S. tends to be alkaline with a pH close to 8.0. Though drinking tap water with a high (alkaline) pH is not harmful, the declining quality of tap water over the years has resulted in many people opting for faucet or pitcher filters to remove chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, and other substances. However. these filters do not alter pH. Alternatively, many people choose to buy purified bottled water or fresh spring water, more likely to have a pH closer to neutral.

As previously stated, not all fish prefer a neutral pH level. For example, many fish that originate from South America prefer softer, more acidic water, whereas fish from East Africa do best in hard, alkaline water. Unless you intend to breed a species that is very particular about water chemistry, you may find that the stability of the pH in an aquarium (also known as kH) is more important than the exact value.

Large, rapid changes in pH are often harmful to fish. Any change greater than 0.2 in a 24-hour period will cause physical stress for most fish, too much of which may kill it.

Commercially available products designed to raise or lower pH level

Well, that's it for now. Stay tuned for more next week!

Sources:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-ph.htm

http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/choosing-aquarium-equipment14.htm

http://www.firsttankguide.net/ph.php

Large Aquarium Fish - Saltwater

Last week, if you recall, we went over various species of large freshwater fish. This week, as you may have already guessed, we’re going to cover large saltwater fish.

Saltwater Aquarium

Puffers

Biologists think pufferfish, also known as blowfish, developed their famous “inflatability” because their slow, somewhat clumsy swimming style makes them vulnerable to predators. Rather than fleeing, pufferfish use their highly elastic stomachs and the ability to quickly ingest huge amounts of water (and air) to turn themselves into a virtually ball several times their normal size and not appealing for consumption. 

A puffed up pufferfish also known as blowfish

Some species also have spines on their skin to make them even less palatable. Most species of Puffers reach approximately eight inches in length with the exception of the Canthigaster Puffers, which reach an average size of only three inches. Puffers are relatively hardy and adapt well to captivity if provided with swimming room, a varied meaty diet, and a few hiding places.

Arothron Dog Face Puffer

Who let the dogs out? This funny-looking fish is the Arothron Dog Face Puffer, also known as the Blackspotted Puffer, gets its name from its resemblance to canines. It changes appearance during different stages of life. While in the gray phase, it is gray with black markings around the mouth, eyes, and dorsal fin. The pectoral fins have a yellow appearance. The half-yellow phase is denoted by a yellow underbelly and dark gray overcoat, while the face looks similar to the gray phase. It may also have black spots over the body, which may be gray or yellow. It very rarely changes phases while living in an aquarium. They lack pelvic fins, but are very maneuverable, using their pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins. Instead of "teeth," it has a fused beak-like structure which it uses to crush prey. The Arothron Dog Face Puffer makes a great addition with its great personality and unusual appearance.

The Papuan Puffer 

This beautiful Papuan Puffer may also be called the Blue Dot Toby or Blue Dot Sharp-nosed Puffer. The most distinguishing feature of the Papuan Toby Puffer Canthigaster papua is the orange coloration around its mouth area. It lacks pelvic fins, but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium. It may be aggressive at times, nipping the fins of tank mates, leaving a circular hole as its mark. This is a "fashionista" fish for sure!

Spiny Box Puffer

The Spiny Box Puffer is also known as the Web Burrfish. It has a tan to yellow body with dark spots, and short, fixed spines which help protect it from larger, more aggressive fish. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure. It is known to nip at slow-moving fish and long-finned fish, but is not aggressive with others in its own family. It will eat invertebrates found in a reef tank.

Angelfish, Large Marine

Large Angels are among the most popular fish for the home saltwater aquarium, and most marine angelfish adapt well to captivity. The diet of Large Angels consists of microalgaes, macroalgaes, sponges, and zooplankton. It is advisable not to introduce Angels from the same genus into one aquarium, as fighting will usually occur.

Queen Angelfish 

The Queen Angelfish is one of the most striking of all angelfish (and seem to know it from that attitude from her majesty pictured above). Vibrant yellow and electric sapphire-blue highlights give the Queen Angelfish an almost iridescent appearance. It has a dark spot on the forehead surrounded by bright blue. The dorsal and pelvic fins are elongated. 

The juvenile Queen Angelfish

The Small Juvenile will contain the Juvenile colorations or may be color shifting to a young adult, while the Medium will be a sub-adult, and the Large will be in Adult coloration. With the potential of reaching an impressive 18 inches, the Queen Angelfish needs a large tank - at a minimum of 250 gallons, with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. Not a good reef dweller, the Queen Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It can be aggressive, so it must be introduced to the community tank last. A somewhat difficult angelfish to keep, Queen Angelfish often suffer from incorrect water parameters and diet. 

The Asfur Angelfish

The Asfur Angelfish is also called the Arabian Angelfish, or Crescent Angelfish. Originating in the Red Sea, but also found in the Indo-Pacific, the Asfur has a dark blue/purple body, black face, yellow tail, and a predominant yellow crescent bisecting the body vertically. The Asfur Angelfish has a bright yellow tail. As with some other Pomacanthus, the coloration of the juvenile differs markedly from the adult. A shy fish that does best when not kept with other Asfurs due to territorial behavior, the Asfur Angel requires a minimum of a 220 gallon tank with numerous hiding places and live rock for grazing.

Regal Angelfish

With vivid vertical striations of blue, white, yellow, or orange on the body and pelvic fin, the Regal Angelfish deserves this distinctive name. Regal Angelfish from the Maldives and the Red Sea have a distinctive yellow breast, where their Indo-Pacific, Coral Sea, and Tahitian relatives normally have a blue/gray breast. This coloration is more prevalent in specimens that are more mature and are at least 4" in length.

Sharks

Most sharks available for the home aquarium are found on or around coral reefs, rocky reefs, or lagoons. Vitamin-enriched frozen squid, live ghost shrimp, and other meaty foods should be offered. After the Sharks have had time to establish themselves in the aquarium, it is advisable to control the amount of food offered. Most Sharks will outgrow even very large aquariums.

Black Banded Cat Sharks 

The Black Banded Cat Shark is known as a Cat Shark because the barbels at the mouth look like cat whiskers. It is also referred to as the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, and has a cream-colored body with broad dark black stripes. There may be large, muted brown spots between the stripes when the fish gets larger. They are a bottom dwelling shark that is common in the home aquarium. It stays relatively small, and requires sand as the substrate as the abdomen is easily scratched by a coarser substrate, which may lead to an infection.

Epaulette Shark 

The Epaulette Shark is a fairly small bottom-dwelling shark. It has a series of small spots on a yellowish-tan body and is recognized by the large spot directly above each pectoral fin. The Epaulette Shark will eat invertebrates in the aquarium, and since it is primarily active at night, will prey upon any small, sleeping fish.

Hasselt’s Bamboo Shark 

The Hasselt’s Bamboo Shark is known as a Cat Shark because the barbels at the mouth look like cat whiskers. It is also referred to as the Indonesian Bamboo Shark. Juveniles are black with dark grey/brown bands. Adult Hasselt’s Bamboo Sharks are more uniform in color with the bands being medium to dark brown; the black edges are the last to fade with maturity.

That’s all for this week – be sure to check back next Friday for more!

Large Aquarium Fish - Freshwater

Assorted large freshwater fish

Now that we’ve covered fish temperaments, let’s go into fish sizes. Fish come in many sizes, and there are plenty of fish that are far larger than that goldfish you had in 2^nd grade. This week, we’re going to go over several different breeds of large freshwater fish.

Discus

The Discus originated in the mixed tropical waters of the Brazilian Amazon River of South America. The Amazon and its tributaries contain water described as white, clear, or black. It is in the areas where these waters "mix" that Discus are found. Today, the Discus is a favorite among experienced freshwater aquarists that has surpassed the Angelfish as the most popular freshwater aquarium fish and does very well in planted aquariums.

Pigeon Blood Discus

The colorful fish pictured above is referred to as the Pigeon Blood Discus. The body of the Pigeon Blood Discus is bright orange with black marbling, and the fins are brown with a turquoise hue. The overall coloration of Discus will vary depending on the mood and overall health of the fish.

The Discus pictured below is called the Red Marlboro Discus; its name originates from its brilliant coloration. 

Red Marlboro Discus

Gold Veil Angel

Freshwater Angelfish

The Freshwater Angelfish, a breed belonging to the Cichlidae family, has an extremely wide variety of color forms and fin lengths. Through selective breeding programs, both standard fin varieties as well as veil fin varieties are available in many different colors. Angelfish generally prefer life in a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons and a relatively low pH level. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. A few types of popular Angelfish are pictured below.

Marble Veil Angel

Koi Angel     

Extra Large Oddball Fish

“Oddball fish” is an all-encompassing general term for fish that are, well, rather odd, generally referring to some cichlids, catfish, and other strange-looking fish. Extra Large Oddball Fish, as the name would suggest, are the larger oddball fish. If looking to set up a new Oddball aquarium, choose the largest aquarium that will fit your budget, as many of these species require plenty of swimming room. Also, try to avoid placing them with smaller tank-mates; they tend to be rather aggressive, and may eat the smaller fish.

Red Tail Catfish

The Redtail Catfish is a fish with a broad head and a body that tapers towards its tail. It has a dark black body, white underbelly, and a bright red tail. These fish can grow impressively large in an aquarium setting and should be given plenty of room to swim due to their size and high energy. Since the Redtail Catfish is a highly active fish, their aquarium should be tightly covered to prevent them from jumping to their doom.

The Silver Arowana Fish

The Silver Arowana, or Arahuana, is known by many alternate names, sometimes making identification tricky. Among the group known as band fishes, the Silver Arowana is considered a true bony fish. Indigenous to the flood plains of the Amazon River Basin in South America, the Arowana can reach an intimidating 47 inches in the wild, and is often too much for all but the advanced freshwater aquarist to manage. It can survive short times out of the water breathing air by utilizing its swim bladder. The aquarium must be fitted with a tight, heavy cover because the Arowana will jump, particularly when after prey.

African Tiger Fish

The African Tiger Fish, also known as the Tiger Characin, is a predatory Characin from the river systems of Africa. This unusual looking species is silver in color with very large sharp teeth that can be easily seen. It prefers a densely planted aquarium with roots and driftwood in which to hide. Aggressive towards other smaller fish, this species should only be maintained in a species tank, or with other similar sized non-territorial species. This is a very active fish that may harm itself or others in the aquarium when startled. It is best kept in a wide aquarium and an almost square tank would be ideal.

Well, that’s it for this week; next time, we’ll go over some breeds of large saltwater fish.

Temperament - Salt Water Fish

Saltwater Tank

Last week, I went over the various temperaments of freshwater fish. However, freshwater fish aren’t the only ones with temperaments. The same rules apply to saltwater fish (or marine, as they are otherwise known), and it’s no more or less wise to place a peaceful marine fish in the same tank as an aggressive marine fish than it is with freshwater fish. Here are several examples of saltwater fish and their temperaments:

PEACEFUL TEMPERAMENT

Gobies

Gobies are relatively small fish, usually reaching three inches in captivity. Goby fish species adjust well to aquarium life. A well-sealed lid is a requirement for keeping gobies, as they will jump out of an open aquarium. Plenty of rockwork and the proper substrate of coral sand should be provided to enable burrowing or sand sifting Gobies the proper environment.

Some species of Goby:

Black Barred Convict Goby

This inquisitive-looking fish is known as the Black Barred Convict Goby, also known as the Black Barred Circus Goby, or Full Moon Reef Goby. It has a white body with black to brown vertical stripes. A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of hiding places is suitable for this cryptic fish. It's a great addition to the reef aquarium and will spend most of its time resting and swimming within the rock work. It is non-aggressive towards other fish and will not bother invertebrates in the tank.

Catalina Goby

The Catalina Goby is considered one of the most beautiful gobies. It has a bright red body with a vivid blue mask and vertical stripes on the front half of its body, and the tail has a yellow tint. This species is very peaceful and will not harm other fish, corals, or invertebrates. The Catalina Goby can be housed in Nano aquariums at least 10 gallons in size. The Catalina Goby may demonstrate aggression towards others of its own species if crowded, but groups may be housed together in large aquariums. The Catalina Goby is not typically shy and can often be seen perching on it's chosen rock within its territory.

Bluespotted Goby (Phase 1) 

The Bluespotted Watchman Goby, commonly referred to as the Blackfinned Shrimp Goby, was first discovered in 1849. There are two color phases. The first has an orange head with blue spots, the body is orange with red bands, and the dorsal fin has black spots. 

Bluespotted Goby (Phase 2)  

The second phase is olive drab with blue spots. Pretty fascinating, if I do say so myself.

SEMI-AGGRESSIVE TEMPERAMENT

Damselfish

Next, one of the more aggressive fish: the Damselfish. The average size of most Damselfish is two inches. They are often used to break in or cycle new aquariums. The majority of these fish is highly territorial, and may become aggressive toward other tankmates. They do well in groups of the same species. Damselfish are closely related to Clownfish, which are also a member of the Pomacentridae family. These fish are found throughout the world, and are almost always associated with coral reefs. They are often used to break in or cycle a new aquarium. It's important to remember that even though these fish are hardy and can handle the adverse conditions of a new aquarium, they may become quite aggressive among themselves, and toward other tankmates.

Some species of Damselfish:

Blue Damselfish

The Blue Damselfish is probably the best selling marine fish in the United States. Beginning hobbyists relish its hardiness and small size, while advanced aquarists praise the color and activity this member of the Pomacentridae family brings to the aquarium. Female Blue Damselfish are completely blue. Males, on the other hand, have an orange tail and are commonly called the Orangetail Blue Damselfish or Blue Devil Damselfish. Native to reefs across the Indo-Pacific, they are usually busy defending a small territory and interestingly, they have the ability to hide in a hole or crevice and darken to an almost black color. This usually happens when it is threatened. After the perceived threat is gone, the Blue Damselfish will return to its electric blue color in a matter of moments.

Three Spot Domino Damselfish

The 3-Spot Domino Damselfish, also known as the Three Spot Damselfish, Threespot Dascyllus or Domino Damselfish, is so named due to the three white spots on its black body. It matures into an aggressive adult whose bright spots fade with age and will enter into a relationship with Stichodactyla species (Carpet Anemone) if one is available.

Four Stripe Damselfish

The Four Stripe Damselfish, also known as Blacktail Dascyllus, Blacktail Damselfish, or Blacktail Humbug, and also is a popular fish. I recall seeing this one at huge aquariums like you find at the Rain-forest Cafe. They have three alternating black and white vertical bands that make up the body coloration with a fourth black band ending at the tail.

AGGRESSIVE TEMPERAMENT

Triggerfish

And finally, the Triggerfish. Triggerfish are very hardy specimens that adapt well to aquarium life if provided with a large tank and ample hiding places. Triggerfish reach an average size of six to ten inches in the home aquarium and often become very aggressive toward the same species and other tank mates. Smaller Triggers grow quickly, and are usually more docile in adulthood than if matured in the wild.

Some species of Triggerfish:

Humu Picasso Triggerfish

The Humu Picasso Triggerfish, also known as the Humuhumu Triggerfish or Picasso Triggerfish, has a wacky, painted appearance. It has a tan body with gradient dark bands, and vibrant blue and black stripes on the top of the head, with a yellow stripe from cheek to cheek and deeply set-back eyes. It looks quite exotic, no? 

Clown Triggerfish

The Clown Triggerfish has a dramatic coloration, making this species a most sought after addition to the home aquarium. The Clown Triggerfish is found along the inner and outer portions of a reef in the wild, wherever shellfish and other invertebrates are found. Among the most colorful, the Clown Triggerfish is also one of the most aggressive commonly kept inhabitants of an aquarium. Care should be taken in selecting its tank mates, choosing other aggressive, large fish. The tank decor should also be chosen based on the propensity of the Clown Triggerfish to rearrange it.

Undulate Triggerfish

My final example of the marine species today is the Undulate Triggerfish, also known as the Orangelined Triggerfish or Orangetailed Triggerfish. It has an attractive, emerald-green body with yellow-orange vertical stripes. A 180 gallon or larger aquarium with large pieces of rock to form caves is ideal for this swimmer. This constructive fish will rearrange the aquarium landscaping and rocks. A very fascinating feature of this aquatic friend is that it vocalizes using a "grunting" sound.  It is a hardy fish, but aggressive towards other fish.

Stay tuned for more next week!

Author's Note: Blurbs from LiveAquaria.com

Temperament - Fresh Water Fish

Fresh Water Aquarium

What I have come to learn is that there is a general guideline one should follow in order to ensure the aquarium mates all get along. Each species' temperament is important in deciding who is invited into an average aquarium environment. Each fish has its own personality and may act differently when introduced to a different species. Stocking order will also play an important role in an animal’s demeanor in the home aquarium, as more aggressive fish tend to react harshly to newly-introduced peaceful fish than vice versa.

Fish are sorted into three temperaments based on their personality and how likely they are to be a threat to other tank mates.

• Peaceful: a species that poses little or no threat towards other fish. They are generally passive in nature.
• Semi-Aggressive: a more active species that may be inclined to show aggression towards other fish, especially breeds that are smaller and/or have flowing fins.
• Aggressive: a species that is territorial, very active, and bold. It is usually advised to house them alone or with others of their species.

Here are several examples of each temperament:

PEACEFUL FISH

Danios and Minnows

Danio

Danios (above) and Minnows (below) are small, active schooling fish well suited for the community aquarium. These hardy fish are most often used to cycle a new aquarium, as they are more tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. Danios and Minnows are also used in aquariums to help bring more reclusive species out into the open.

Minnow

Rasboras

Rasbora Fish

Rasboras are small, peaceful schooling fish that are well suited for the smaller planted community aquarium. These colorful, hardy fish fare best in groups of six or more. Rasboras are rewarding fish when maintained in the planted community aquarium, displaying beautiful coloration, and unique color patterns.

Platies

Platy Fish

Platies are hardy and colorful fish that make a wonderful addition to the passive community aquarium. Platies are easy to breed, and new color varieties are developed through selective breeding programs. Platies make a perfect addition to the aquarium for the novice to expert alike. 

SEMI-AGGRESSIVE FISH

Barbs

Tiger Barb

Barbs are small, colorful, active fish ideally suited for the community aquarium. These hardy fish are predominately found in Southeast Asia, but some species may be found in Africa and India. Currently, most species are bred commercially both overseas and in the U.S., making these fish ideal candidates for both the beginner and expert aquarist. Barbs are semi-aggressive fish when housed in the aquarium individually, so it's important to maintain each species in groups of six or more. This technique will minimize aggression towards more passive tank mates. Some barbs, however, have a tendency to nip at the fins of fancier tankmates, so it is best to avoid housing them together.

Gouramis

Gouramis Fish

Most Gouramis are referred to as anabantoids or labyrinth fish. While Dwarf Gouramis are peaceful fish that make a wonderful addition to the passive community aquarium, larger Gourami fish species are very graceful swimmers that have unique coloration and color patterns that work best in the semi-aggressive community aquarium. 

Bichirs

  

Bichirs are primitive ray-finned fishes collected from Africa. They are opportunistic feeders and should be housed with large, peaceful fish. They can breathe air using a lung-like modification to their swim bladder and can travel on land for short periods of time using their strong pelvic fins. Their aquarium setup should include a tight fitting lid and adequate bottom space.

When provided with plenty of open swimming areas, rocks and crevices, the Bichir is not usually aggressive toward tank mates. This species is semi-aggressive in the fact that they will swallow any fish or invertebrate that they can fit into their mouth.

AGGRESSIVE FISH

The Lamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlid

Lamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlids

The Lamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlid, also called the Neolamprologus Caudopunctatus Cichlid, originates from the rocky Zambian coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. This species is one of the smaller of the cichlids. Their bodies are silver in color with a tan hue, and the dorsal and anal fins are very colorful with blue and yellow outlines and spots giving these fish a more dramatic look.

They should be maintained in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with other smaller Tanganyikan cichlids. This is a very slow growing species which may take a few years to reach sexual maturity. At that time, the males are typically larger than the females.

Black Sharks

The Black Shark 

The Black Shark, also called the Black Labeo, is uniformly black or dark brown in color. In some countries it's an important food source. The Black Shark is a very active, somewhat aggressive fish that is not suitable for the community aquarium. A large aquarium is necessary for this shark as it may reach two feet in length.

It is one of the only sharks that should not be kept in a planted aquarium because plants are a large part of its diet. A hood on the aquarium is also recommended, as the Black Shark is an accomplished jumper. Unfortunately, the breeding habits of Labeo chrysophekadion have not been documented.

American Butterfly Fish

 

The African Butterfly fish is common to many lakes across Africa and is an interesting fish. It spends most of its time hanging at the surface of the water, waiting for prey. The body is dark brown to black and is speckled with lighter colorations. The fins resemble the wings of a bird, giving this fish a look like no other. It does remain relatively small, but caution needs to be exercised, as this fish will swallow anything it can fit into its mouth.

The ideal set-up for the African Butterfly is an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with plenty of plants that reach near the surface that this fish can use for cover. They can handle a wide range of temperatures up into the mid 80's. These fish can jump out of the water, and can even glide short distances. It is therefore very important to have a tight fitting top on the aquarium to stop the fish from jumping out.

That's all for this week; stay tuned for more!

(text blurbs from LiveAquaria.com)