Alkaline

Term qualifying water whose pH is greater than 7 due to the presence of dissolved salts, generally calcium and magnesium.

The alkalinity (or pH) of an aquatic environment designates its degree of basicity or acidity. The pH is a measure of the acidity of a solution, which is evaluated on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. An alkaline solution is a solution which has a pH above 7.0.

Alkalinity is important in an aquarium because it can have an impact on the growth and survival of fish and plants. Fish and plants have different needs in terms of alkalinity, and it is important to maintain an adequate level in the aquarium to ensure their well-being.

There are several ways to control alkalinity in an aquarium. One of the most common ways is the addition of special chemicals that increase or decrease the pH of the water. It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products, as too fast or excessive modification of alkalinity can be harmful to fish and plants.

It is also possible to control alkalinity using substrates or special decorations that can influence the pH of water. For example, some substrates can release ions that increase water alkalinity, while others can release ions that decrease alkalinity.

It is important to note that the alkalinity of an aquarium can vary over time due to different factors, such as the decomposition of food and waste, the breathing of fish and plants, and the addition of chemicals . It is therefore important to regularly monitor the alkalinity of the aquarium and maintain it at an adequate level.

In conclusion, alkalinity designates the degree of basicity or acidity of an aquatic environment, which is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. It is important to maintain an adequate level of alkalinity in an aquarium to ensure growth and the survival of fish and plants. There are several ways to control alkalinity, such as the addition of chemicals or the use of substrates or special decorations, but it is important to regularly monitor alkalinity and maintain it at an adequate level.