What Causes A High Ph Level In Water

So what causes high ph in an aquarium.

What causes a high ph level in water.

There are many factors that affect ph and alkalinity and there is always a reason for the change. Adding tap water to the aquarium not changing filters lack of driftwood hardness or softness of the water and the reduction in the carbon dioxide level of the tank. Mineral salts such as calcium present in some tank materials like limestone and some shells can increase the alkalinity and ph of aquariums. If the ph gets higher than 7 8 the water is becoming too alkaline.

Water is the most important liquid for sustained life because of its neutral ph of 7. It replenishes the supply of liquids lost through sweat and urine without changing our chemical balance. Alkalinity in water is preferable to acidity. Water with a very low or high ph can be a sign of chemical or heavy metal pollution.

Because of this some advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body. There are several reasons. When plants absorb carbon dioxide and nitrates ph levels increase. Alkaline water has a higher ph level than regular drinking water.

The less co 2 the higher your ph. Another factor is atmospheric deposition acid rains. Most water suppliers often raise the ph level to ph9 of potable water to prevent the corrosion of the supply pipes. High alkalinity water is a result of rocky areas with a lot of limestone.

The rocks and gravel in your tank can increase the ph level because the calcium in them dissolves into the tank. Water that doesn t fall in the safe ph range of 6 5 to 8 5 particularly if it s alkaline isn t. Water with a ph that s too high also can cause skin rashes cloudy water and scaling on pool equipment. Another reason why levels increase is due to plants in your tank.

Because of acid rains the ph levels in lakes lower and make them more acidic. The cause of unbalanced ph is the composition of soil bedrock or other surroundings that the water supply comes from. It contains carbonate bicarbonate and hydroxide compounds that dissolve and travel with the water raising its ph level. With all the pollutant sources of industry and transportation acid rain is on the rise and high water alkalinity acts as a buffer to neutralize excess acidity.

The primary takeaway from this article is that carbon dioxide dictates the ph of your water.