pH explained
What does the p and the H stand for?
pH stands for the potential of hydrogen or power of hydrogen.
H (Uppercase): Stands for the Hydrogen ion
The higher the hydrogen ion concentration, the more acidic the water is, resulting in a lower pH value.
p (Lowercase): Represents a mathematical operator denoting the negative logarithm (base 10) of the quantity.
It is believed to derive from the German word "potenz" or French "puissance," both meaning "power" or "potential," originally used to express the "hydrogen ion exponent."
pH SIMPLE EXPLANATION
pH: Definition
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline water is.
The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
pHs of less than 7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates alkalinity.
pH is really a measure of the amount of free hydrogen (and hydroxyl) ions in the water.
Water that has more free hydrogen ions is acidic, whereas water that has more free hydroxyl ions is alkaline.
Since pH can be affected by chemicals in the water, pH is an important indicator of water that is changing chemically.
pH is measured in "logarithmic units".
Each number represents a 10-fold change in the acidity or alkalinity of the water.
Water with a pH of five is ten times more acidic than water having a pH of six.
Simple pH testing is done using a few drops of pH indicator. (Bromothymol blue).
The colour of the test water is compared to a colour chart as shown below.
Bromothymol blue is a chemical pH indicator that changes colour based on the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, turning yellow in acidic conditions, blue in alkaline conditions, and green in neutral conditions (around pH 7).
Below using pH indicator. (Bromothymol blue) to test the pH
Litmus paper can also be used to test pH.
It shows whether a substance is acidic (red) or alkaline (blue) see below, while pH indicator shows the strength of an acid or alkali with a range of colours.
The most accurate way to measure pH is with an electronic pH meter.
These devices come in many forms, some cheap, some expensive.
Cheap ones are usually slow to respond and are sometimes less accurate, and don’t last long.
Generally, the more you pay the better it is.
Pictured below is the one I am using at the moment.
It also measures conductivity, and temperature.
It is a “pen type” but not a cheap one.
It’s not too expensive about au$200.00 plus delivery etc.
It gives a quick to respond, and it is easy to calibrate.
In my opinion, most cheap pen types are a waste of money.
I use this one here. https://pureaquatics.com.au/
It comes in a sturdy case and is easy to read, and extra easy to calibrate.
Although it is a pen type, is is a quality instrument.
pH and ammonia
Ammonia and pH work together to kill your fish.
A dramatic statement deliberately intended to catch your attention.
Remember this, pH over neutral is dangerous when ammonia is present.
The higher the pH, the more toxic ammonia is.
pH when shipping fish
pH is a major factor when commercial quantities of fish are shipped in static water as in a bulk bin, or an airfreight box.
In these containers CO2 builds up and drops the pH, which, when fish are packed at commercial densities will cause acidosis.
Ph and underground water
In Australia I know this as bore water.
I use bore water regularly, but it MUST be degassed.
In almost all circumstances bore water has zero oxygen and very high CO2.
CO2 causes the pH to be very low.
After degassing the pH will settle at the “actual” pH of the water without the influence of the CO2.
Also be aware that bore water can have a lot of variation in minerals, form zero, like the underground water I tested in Hong Kong, to extremely high, as it in from my own bore.
Also see these webpages
OTHER SPECIES
Click the picture for video - Low altitude passes over Barcoo River - with surprise ending
