Conductivity

The electrical conductivity of water is measured with a conductive meter, a device equipped with a probe containing two electrodes, and is expressed in micro-siemens/cm (µs/cm). The conductivity is all the stronger since the concentration of dissolved salts is important: pure water (non -mineralized) has a minimal conductivity of 1 to 2 µs/cm, while a very mineralized water can reach 3000 µs/cm. Conductivity constitutes only a global measure of the set of dissolved salts, whatever their nature. It also varies with temperature.

Conductivity is a measure of the capacity of an environment to lead electricity. In the field of aquarophilia, it is used to measure the quantity of dissolved salts in the water of the aquarium.

The higher the level of conductivity, the more salts dissolved in water. This may be due to the presence of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, or to add chemicals such as seal salt supplements or remineralization products.

The conductivity can be measured using a device called conductimeter, which sends an electric current through water and measures resistance to this current. The conductivity is generally expressed in microsiemens by centimeter (µs/cm).

It is important to monitor the conductivity of water from the aquarium, as it can affect the health of fish and aquatic plants. Too high a level of conductivity can lead to salt intoxication and cause health problems such as white fin or dehydration disease. Too low a level of conductivity can cause essential mineral deficiency and affect plant growth.

It is recommended to maintain an appropriate level of conductivity according to the specific needs of aquarium species and regularly adjusting water from the aquarium according to these needs. For example, for an aquarium of freshwater fish, a level of conductivity between 100 and 300 µs/cm is generally considered appropriate. For a sea fish aquarium, a conductivity level greater than 1,000 µs/cm is often recommended.

It is also important to remember that water conductivity can vary depending on the temperature, it is therefore recommended to measure conductivity at the same temperature each time to obtain specific results.