What Are The Ideal Parameters For a Freshwater Aquarium?

The ideal and balanced condition of a freshwater aquarium would mean healthy fish, a stable ecosystem, and thriving aquatic plants. Keeping the conditions of your freshwater aquarium in optimal quality will require you to create a stable environment. The following parameters are the advisable levels for all freshwater aquaria.

What Are The Ideal Parameters For a Freshwater Aquarium?

Temperature

The optimal temperature level for freshwater community fish, cichlids, and aquatic plants is between 72°F and 86°F.

pH

The required pH level for a freshwater aquarium is from 6 to 7.5, but cichlids prefer a pH level minimum of  7.5 to 8.5. Some community fish can live in the same aquarium as cichlids, so if you do intend to have different species, choose fish that can live in the same pH levels.

The Ammonia and Nitrite levels in the freshwater aquarium should by default be zero.

Nitrate – The level of nitrates in any freshwater feature should not go beyond 50 ppm.

Alkalinity

The carbonate hardness of the freshwater aquarium is again different for most fish. While the Cichlids need a KH level between 10 and 18, most community type fish and freshwater aquarium plants will do best in 4 to 8 KH. Again, choose your fish and plant combination accordingly.

Hardness

The water’s hardness is also different for community type fish, cichlids, and plants. The general hardness levels for cichlids is 12 – 20, while plants and community fish need it between 3 and 8, with a maximum of 12 GH for some species.

*Some freshwater fish and plants have a specific requirement and the table does not necessarily apply to them. Carefully check the needs of all aquatic creatures and plants in order to provide balanced water conditions.
*If the chemical balance in your fish tank is swinging you should immediately regulate it.