HINTS - WATER QUALITY

WATER QUALITY

pH - Degree of acidity or alkalinity. Measured from 0pH (extreme acid) to 14pH (extreme alkaline)

Tapwater - between 7.2 - 8 (hard water areas) and 6.6 - 7 (softwater areas)
Saltwater 8.3

HARDNESS (DH^o): 0 - 3^o (soft water) 8-10^o (medium hard) 16^o plus (very hard)

Often hardness is expressed as 'parts per million' (ppm). 1 ppm = 17.9 DH.

AMMONIA and NITRITE - once biological filter has matured, should be zero readings.

NITRATE - readings will gradually rise due to production by nitrifying bacteria. Keep in check by regular partial water changes.

PHOSPHATE - Another 'ingredient' of tapwater which, with nitrate, encourages algae growth. Can be removed with RowaPhos^(tm)

Specific Gravity (marines only) - 1.020 - 1.024 at 24 degrees C.

1 gallon = 4.54 litres and weighs 10lbs. 1 cubic foot holds 6.23 gallons

1 litre = 0.22 gallons and contains 1,000 cubic centimetres (ccs) weighs 1 kilogram

Length X Width X Depth (in feet) X 6.25 = gallons

Length X Width X Depth (in centimetres) divided by 1000 = litres

Standard aquarium capacities (approx)

18" X 10" X 10" = 6 gallons 24" X 15" X 12" = 15 gallons

36" X 15" X 12" = 20 gallons 48" X 15" X 12" = 30 gallons

Ponds

Length X Width X Depth (in feet) X 6.25 = gallons

Where pond has different levels, divide pond into separate blocks, work out each block's capacity and total them up.

For circular ponds: surface area ( X radius X radius) X depth X 6.25 = gallons

( = 3.142)

Conversions

Fahrenheit to Centigrade : F - 32 X 5/9 = C

Centigrade to Fahrenheit : C X 9/5 + 32 = F