pH Ammonia Nitrite Oxygen Temperature Flowing Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Background for Teachers: This link explains efficacy and accuracy of different water test kits A common method of raising the aquarium’s pH is by adding baking soda. 1 Raising pH: teaspoon of baking soda per 5 gallons is generally considered a safe amount for small incremental increases. It’s best to remove the fish from the tank prior to raising the pH. Then simply dissolve the required amount of baking soda in some conditioned water and add it to the aquarium. Once the pH is at the desired level you can re-introduce the fish just like you would when you first brought them home from the store. You should never make sudden and large pH changes, as this will have a severe effect on your fish. Start with 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water and slowly raise the pH incrementally. This will allow your fish to acclimate to the new tank conditions. Lower pH: Using peat moss is a common way to lower the aquarium’s pH. Simply put the peat moss into a mesh bag and add it to the filter. Peat moss will gradually lower the pH. With peat moss, it is likely however that your water will temporarily discolor. It should clear up over time and you can also use activated carbon to help it along. Often increased aeration will also help to lower the pH of the tank. Possible Assessment: Have students create fish health manuals to share with younger students explaining how to care for fish in an aquaponic system. Evaluate science journals Evaluate anecdotal records to see if students participate appropriately and were able to adjust the pH of the water. References
pH Ammonia Nitrite Oxygen Flowing Temperature Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Background for Teachers: This link explains efficacy and accuracy of different water test kits Raising pH: A common method of raising the aquarium’s pH is by adding baking soda. 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 5 gallons is generally considered a safe amount for small incremental increases. It’s best to remove the fish from the tank prior to raising the pH. Then simply dissolve the required amount of baking soda in some conditioned water and add it to the aquarium. Once the pH is at the desired level you can re-introduce the fish just like you would when you first brought them home from the store. You should never make sudden and large pH changes, as this will have a severe effect on your fish. Start with 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water and slowly raise the pH incrementally. This will allow your fish to acclimate to the new tank conditions. Lower pH: Using peat moss is a common way to lower the aquarium’s pH. Simply put the peat moss into a mesh bag and add it to the filter. Peat moss will gradually lower the pH. With peat moss, it is likely however that your water will temporarily discolor. It should clear up over time and you can also use activated carbon to help it along. Often increased aeration will also help to lower the pH of the tank. Possible Assessment: Have students create fish health manuals to share with younger students explaining how to care for fish in an aquaponic system. Evaluate science journals Evaluate anecdotal records to see if students participate appropriately and were able to adjust the pH of the water. References
Aquaponic%20Fish%20Care%20Lesson.docx