pH change units and ridiculous pH ranges?
Good catch, Steve. Gregg did mention both Black Ghost and Ghost Knife fish in two different posts. Besides the species you brought up, there is also a member of the weakly electric Gymnotid Eels (Gymnotidae) to consider, more specifically Hypopomus occidentalis to consider which are also called Black (or Brown) Knife fish, which may have different requirements.
The other fish Gregg mentions should not have a problem even at a pH of 8.0 and should be of no concern, depending on which “Knife/Ghost” fish he has. While it is the direct result of the nitrification process (tank ecology) to lower the pH over time, this will be seen to take a shortened or lengthened period of time depending on the bioload. Many of the fish mentioned, while not an immediate problem, will greatly increase this bioload as they increase their size more towards that of maturity — so much so, that it will be impossible to maintain these fish properly when they do get near adult size. Common Pleco’s can easily reach 18″ or more, while Clown Loaches will get over 12″ and Ghost Knife fish 20″. We should not need to consider the Goldfish (getting to 12″+) , as this fish does not belong with the tropicals, but it should be pointed out that at some point this fish should be removed.
I would like to cover the aeration subject Gregg brings up, and its role in maintaining an aquarium can be significant depending on the type of filter used and its role (or lack of) in creating a constant turnover of the water column. The airstone’s bubbles play a more beneficial part in turbulance than their mere popping would suggest. A constant column of rising air bubbles will directly cause a turnover of “new” water at the surface, enabling this new water to exchance gases — where only these gas exchanges take place. In the realm of any insufficient movement of surface water by the particular filtration system being used, aeration by the use of airstones will ensure new water from the depths of the aquarium is always turning over at the surface. With the use of aeration, approximately double the bioload can be maintained in the aquarium as opposed to having a still surface. This should NOT be relied upon to make use of, if its seen as a method to double up on the number of fish, even though it will support it. Any sudden and unexpected power outage (aren’t they all?) will spell death to all inhabitants in short time if its chosen to fully rely on this artificial support but its good to know that aeration increases the safety margin of a sensibly stocked tank in times of higher temperatures. Then too, aeration will homogenize your tank’s temperature, constantly mixing the strata, which is especially helpful during winter when your heater is working. Ray
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
