1. Water Quality Saltwater Mrs. Salvati

2. Where does the water come from?

3. What is water quality? The balance of chemicals and minerals in your aquarium water What do fish need in the water to keep them healthy? What must stay out of the water for them to survive and thrive?

4. Temperature Tropical fish need a temperature of 75- 80*F Check your thermometer every day Adjust heater if needed

5. Ammonia Produced from fish waste, uneaten food Very toxic to fish Levels should be low in aquarium

6. Nitrite (ITE) Toxic to fish Coverted to Nitrate by beneficial bacteria Levels should be 0

7. Nitrate (ATE) Not as toxic as Nitrite Levels should be below 40ppm

8. Nitrogen cycle

9. pH pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water pH should match the level required by fish Most tropical fish 7.6-8.4 is acceptable

10. Water Hardness Measures the minerals dissolved in the water Hard water has high levels of minerals Soft water has low levels of minerals Levels should be 50-100

11. Chlorine and Chloramine Municipalities add chlorine and chloramine to tap water to kill bacteria which are toxic to fish Use conditioner to remove these chemicals

12. Salinity (Specific gravity) The measure of the amount of salt in the water. 1.022 – 1.024

13. Properties to add to water Oxygen – Air pumps and air stones can add oxygen to your tank. This will increase the oxygen level for your fish to consume, improve conditions fot the good bacteria to form and help maintain evenly heated water Aquatic plants – absorb carbon dioxide and nitrates and can provide shelter and security for fish.

14. Name: What do fish need in the water to keep them healthy? What must stay out of the water for the fish to survive and thrive?

15. What should the temperature of your saltwater tank be? What should the Specific gravity of your tank be? What should the pH of your tank be?

16. List and describe 2 items that can be added to your aquarium to improve water quality.