Water Quality Issues
Water quality is the most important factor in fish health.
Critical Water Parameters
Ammonia (NH3)
- Ideal level: 0 ppm
- Dangerous level: Any detectable amount
- Cause: Fish waste, uneaten food, decaying plants
- Solution: Water changes, reduce feeding, add beneficial bacteria
Nitrite (NO2)
- Ideal level: 0 ppm
- Dangerous level: Above 0.5 ppm
- Cause: Bacterial conversion of ammonia
- Solution: Water changes, add aquarium salt (temporary relief)
Nitrate (NO3)
- Ideal level: Below 20 ppm
- Dangerous level: Above 40 ppm
- Cause: End product of nitrogen cycle
- Solution: Regular water changes, live plants
pH
- Ideal level: Depends on fish species
- Freshwater community: 6.5-7.5
- African cichlids: 7.8-8.5
- Amazon species: 5.5-7.0
Common Problems
Cloudy Water
Causes:
- Bacterial bloom (new tank)
- Overfeeding
- Inadequate filtration
Solutions:
- Wait (for new tanks)
- Reduce feeding
- Improve filtration
Green Water (Algae Bloom)
Causes:
- Excess light
- High nutrients
- Direct sunlight
Solutions:
- Reduce lighting duration
- Water changes
- UV sterilizer
High Ammonia
Immediate actions:
- 50% water change
- Add ammonia detoxifier
- Reduce feeding
- Check for dead fish/plants