HagenKB

Natural Gravel changing pH and KH

What are the possible effects of adding natural gravel to an aquarium?

What are the possible effects of adding natural gravel to an aquarium?
More and more aquariums are being created as naturally as possible. When natural products are used that are not treated to prevent release of compounds into the water, some changes and reactions may be expected.
GEOsystem gravel incorporates a warning that states:
"GEOsystem naturalgravel may contain minerals and trace elements that may buffer pH. It is recommended to verify levels using Nutrafin test kits on a regular basis."

Natural gravel is a natural substance that cannot be strictly regulated for the actual ingredients that are contained within the product. Actual mineral distribution can vary as the source is used. It is possible that more or less of elements such as bicarbonate and carbonate ions can be released into the water column affecting temporary hardness, also referred to as carbonate hardness. The alkalinity of water closely mirrors the carbonate hardness (KH) of water. Alkaline water has a higher pH value.

In order to minimize the effects that natural gravel may have there are several important precautions to undertake, Remember in areas that have problems with low KH and pH this could be very beneficial.

1) Thoroughly rinse gravel. Any small particles created in transport will quickly go into solution and could raise pH.
2) When doing a gravel change in an established aquarium or system. First test the ammonia level, if any ammonia is present eliminate it via water changes, ammonia removing resin or reduction of fish populations, elimination of excess organic waste and extra dosages of Nutrafin Cycle. Any increase in the pH level of water when Ammonia is present can result in significant toxic quantities of ammonia that can rapidly kill fish.
3) Test the pH and KH of the aquarium water. If the KH is very low, for example, below 2 dKH (degrees of Carbonate Hardness) or approximately 36 ppm, the pH is often at neutral or somewhat acidic and the introduction of a natural gravel that contains readily dissolvable bicarbonates would rapidly cause an increase in pH The key words rapidly and quickly are important, as any pH shifts should not exceed more that .5 in a 24 hours period. The real danger in a quick pH change occurs when fish that prefer one distinctive range of pH versus another are exposed to a rapid change in the wrong direction. For example, if tetras or discus were being kept at a KH of 2 with a pH of 6 and the introduction of gravel as required for the aquarium in question was effected in one dose and increased the KH to 6 or 7 and the pH to 8. This increase in pH would represent an increase of 100 times, the pH scale is logarithmic.New aquariums generally do not have this problem as water chemistry can be easily adjusted with pH Adjust down, pH Stabilizer, Granulated Peat, etc. when attempting to optimize pH and KH values, fish are acclimated to this water gradually without rapid fluctuations.

As the aquarium matures biologically, this process will start to have a lowering affect on the pH. A bio-film will naturally cover aquarium decorations isolating them from aquarium water lessoning effect on water chemistry; as a result the aquarium will become more stable. The key is to adjust pH and KH gradually. We have incorporated in our packaging as much of the competition already does a warning that cautions that pH can change and

suggests the use of test kits. This is always a good idea. It is also very important to know the pH and KH levels of the tap water being used to determine the effect of natural decorations. Our gravel has been sold for aquarium use for the last 20 years by our supplier all through the Far East and Japan. Using natural decorations of any kind can affect water chemistry. But the natural beauty of this type of decoration far outweighs the risk.

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