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Critical Water Parameters

pH
6.8 – 7.2

The sweet spot for fish health, plant nutrient uptake, and beneficial bacteria function simultaneously.

Ammonia (NH₃)
0 ppm

Anything above 2 ppm begins stressing fish. Above 5 ppm is rapidly lethal. Test daily when cycling.

Nitrite (NO₂)
0 ppm

Toxic even at low levels. Indicates cycling is incomplete. Do not stock fish until this reads zero.

Nitrate (NO₃)
< 40 ppm

Fish waste end product. Harmless at moderate levels. Plants consume it — high nitrate means add plants.

Dissolved Oxygen
> 6 ppm

More aeration is almost always better. Fish gasping at surface is a dissolved oxygen emergency.

Water Temp
70 – 85°F

Optimal for tilapia and most warm-water species. Catfish tolerate down to 60°F. Monitor seasonally.