When starting to play with aquascaping, some people will begin to learn about how to design and build a tank,… However, it is important to note that the parameters for aquascaping for beginners are very important. Below, Aqua Plants Hub will introduce some basic parameters to you:
PPM
Ppm is an abbreviation for Parts per million, meaning that in one liter of water, there will be 1 milligram of another substance dissolved in it. (1ppm = 1mg/l)
On a daily basis, people will see familiar units of measurement such as kilograms, liters,… In aquascaping, however, the most basic unit of measurement is milligrams of another substance dissolved in water.
For a simple example, there are 7 ppm of CO2. That is, in 1 liter of water, there are 7 milligrams of CO2 gas in the tank.
The first basic parameter to grasp in order to understand the following parameters.
TDS Parameter
Tds is an abbreviation in English for Total dissolved solids, also known as Conductivity. It is the total amount of solids, mostly inorganic substances, minerals, and positive ions (cations) that can dissolve in water, specifically: Cl+, K+, Mg+, Na+, Co3+, Ca+,… and is also measured in ppm (ml/g). The purity of water is assessed based on this Tds parameter. The higher the Tds value, the more impurities the water contains.
The tool used to measure Tds is called a Tds meter. They come in various shapes. And it cannot measure organic substances, Chlorine, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals.
Advice
We advise you that once you have the intention to play with aquascaping, you should not overlook this Tds measuring tool. Because it is not too expensive, highly accurate, and very good for checking water conditions, and the measurement method is simple.
The Tds meter will help you understand the Tds level of the incoming water in your area. To measure the difference compared to the Tds in the tank. From there, it helps you detect and handle impurities (if any).
And do not be complacent and think that the water source is suitable for the tank when the measured Tds parameter is low. Because the Tds meter cannot measure organic substances, toxins, and heavy metals. Monitor the photosynthesis process and plant growth to find out the cause if the plants stop growing and die.
pH Parameter
pH (pondus hydrogenii) is a measure of the activity of ions (H+) in a solution or the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The neutral pH level in water is 7. If it is greater than 7, it means the water is alkaline. Conversely, if it is less than 7, the water is acidic.
When playing with aquascaping, pH is a very important factor.
Many types of aquatic plants and animals only thrive at certain pH levels. Therefore, in an aquascaping tank, it is impossible to provide the perfect pH for all species of plants and animals to coexist. The average pH suitable for aquascaping is from 5.5 to 8. If it is higher or lower than this range, the aquatic life in the tank will struggle to survive. The optimal adaptation level is usually between 5.5 and 6.5. Aquatic plants and animals in the tank are easily stressed if the pH changes too quickly and too much.
Note
A low pH below 7 means there are many iron compounds and trace elements that dissolve easily for plants to absorb. Most plants can live and thrive well in water at this pH level. Toxic substances like Ammonia will convert to less toxic Ammonium. However, when the pH is low, the microbial system becomes weaker. This can lead to diseases in some animals and increased algae growth.
Conversely, a high pH will help the water be clearer and have less algae. But a high pH will make it difficult for algae to reproduce, as trace elements are hard to dissolve and absorb. However, it will make it difficult for some plant species to photosynthesize and grow. Fe and trace elements are also hard to absorb. CO2 also has difficulty dissolving when the water is alkaline.
Causes of high pH: shells, stones, and animal decorations in the tank with high limestone content, baking soda, dissolved oxygen in water,…
Causes of low pH: CO2 gas, acidic substances found in vinegar, lemon, vitamin C, H2SO4, peat, humic acid,…
It is necessary to identify the causes of high pH to eliminate them immediately. If the tank’s pH decreases, do not add substances to lower the pH just yet!
kH Parameter
kH is the alkalinity of the water in the tank, abbreviated in English as carbonate hardness. It is the total amount of base compounds present in the water. The two main and common base components in kH are HCO3- (bicarbonate) and CO32- (carbonate).
The component that can directly affect the change in pH is this kH level.
gH Parameter
gH means the hardness of the water. It is abbreviated from the term in English as general hardness. It is the total concentration of Ca++ and Mg++ in the water. In aquascaping, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) are two essential trace elements that cannot be overlooked. The ideal hardness for a tank is around 85 – 130 ppm. Excessively high water hardness will hinder the growth of aquatic plants and animals in the tank.
The article above provides you with the parameters in aquascaping for beginners.
You can learn more about plant species or products for aquascaping care at aquaplantshub.com!
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