Common Water Measurements Flashcards
What is alkalinity?
Alkalinity is a measure of the buffering capacity of water. That means that it is a measure of the capacity of bases to neutrlize acids. It refers to the ability of water to resist a change in pH.IMPORTANCE:Alkalinity helps regulate the pH of water due to acidic pollution from rainfal or waste water. Fish and other animals that live in the water can adjust to very gradual changes of pH, but large changes can result in reproduction issues or death.High alkalinity means that pH levels do not change rapidly. Our water is hard so it has high alkalinity.
How does water temperature affect aquatic organisms?
Temperature changes in water can affect several water properties.1. Dissolved oxygen:
* The warmer the water the less oxygen it can hold.
* The colder the water the more oxygen it can hold
IMPORTANCE: During the summer months in Texas, ponds and lakes water temperature rise. As the temperature rises oxygen decreases. Oxygen depletion can increase to the point that major fish kills can occur. This is why a lot of ponds install fountains. The fountains help aerate the water.
2. High/ low temperature
* Aquatic organims can adapt to temperature changes if the happen slowly. If you change the water temperature too fast the can go into shock and die.
IMPORTANCE: When doing adding fish to your tank OR changing water always remember to add water slowly to give your fish a chance to adapt.
What is turbidty?
Turbidity is the measure of particulate matter that is suspeneded in the water. It can affect the amount of light that penetrates the water.Materials that can cause turbidity include:
* Clay
* Silt
* Plankton/microscopic organisms/ algae
A secchi disk can be used to measure turbidity. IMPORTANCE: Increased turbidity DECREASES the amount of light in the water. A decrease in the light can affect oxygen production in the water from plants.
What is ammonia and how does it affect your fish?
Ammonia is one of the most common pollutants. It is a major component of urine. It is discharged from industrial, municipal and agricultural wastewater.Ammonia is extremely toxic to aquatic life and is an oxygen demanding substance?Ammonia is the first level to rise when starting a new aquarium.IMPORTANCE: If your fish is exposed to chronic levels over long periods is becomes more susceptable to disease and reduced reproduction and growth.
Why is it important to test for nitrite and nitrate?
Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are related by the process of nitrification/ Nitrogen Cycle.. The is process by which ammonia and oxidated into nitrite and nitrite is oxidized into nitrate. In the presence of oxygen, ammonia is oxidized by the Nitrosomonas bacter into nitrite. Nitrite is then oxidized by the Nitrobacter bacteria into nitrate. Nitrate in a healthy natural ecosystem is not normally a problem.
What is chlorine and how can it affect your fish?
Chlorine is an important chemical for some processes of water purification. It is also found in disinfectants and in bleach.The main source of chlorine in freshwater is domestic wastewater and industry.IMPORTANCE: Tap water has chlorine in it and must be treated with a suitable water conditoner. This removes or neutralizes the toxic chemical before being added to the aquarium, otherwise it will kill your fish. You must always add chlorine when you change your aquarium water.FAILURE TO ADD CHLORINE WILL RESULT IN FISH DEATH
Why is dissolved oxygen important?
Dissolved oxgyen is needed by fish and zooplankton (animal plankton) to survive.
* Rapidly moving water contains more dissolved oxygen
* Slow or stagnant water contails little dissolved oxygen
* Cold water contains more dissolved oxygen
* Warm water contains less dissolved oxygen
Two major natural sources for dissolved oxygen are plants and the atmosphere. Aquariums use aerators and bubblers.
What are the minimum dissolved oxygen levels for fish?
Minimum oxygen concentrations for fish is dependent upon its gentic makeup, water temperatures, level of activity, long term acclimation and stress tolerance.Water with an oxygen concentration of less then 3 mg/l will generally not support fish and they will die.When concentrations fall to about 3 - 4 mg/l fish start gasping for air at the surface and bacteria may start to die off.Levels of about 5 mg/l are sufficient for most aquatic organisms to survive.IMPORTANCE: In Texas, when temperature rise above 100 degrees in the summer, oxygen levels start to decline. Large fish die offs are possilbe unless the has a water fountain for aeration.
How do algae blooms affect dissolved oxygen?
The abundance of algae is generally related to the amount of nutrients in the water.Phytoplankton is a good source of natural food and produces dissolved oxygen.When phytoplankton become too excessive there is a danger of oxygen depletion. Dense algae blooms produce oxygen but as they die,bacteria decompose them. The decomposition process uses oxygen and can use up the oxygen produced. As the dissolved oxygen levels are depleted, fish kills are possible.
What sources increase aquatic oxygen levels?
- Fast running water - water come in contact with the atmosphere
- Cold water - cold water holds more oxygen
- Water containing subergent aquatic plants
Under what conditions would you need to change your aquarium water?
- High ammonia
- High nitrite
- Over abundance of algae
- High turbidty
- Dead fish
What would happen if you removed all the plants in your aquarium?
Nitrate levels would increase.Why? Plants are able to use nitrate asa fertilizer so they remove it from the water.
What happens to the oxygen of a pond during an algae bloom?
- Oxygen levels decrease
Why? An algae bloom blocks sunlight so submergent aquatic plants can not photosynthesize. As the algae die, they are are decomposed by bacteria. Decomposition use oxygen. So, oxygen levels decrease.
What is the density of water?
Densityis the weight of water.Warm water is less denseCold water is more denseWhen water freezes ice becomes less dense that liquid water Ice acts as a thermal blanket that keeps the water under the ice from freezing.
How toxic is ammonia, nitrite, and ammonia to fish?
Ammonia and nitrite are very toxic to your fish
Nitrate is less toxic and usually not a problem in a healthy aquatic ecosystems.
