Controlling pH, Alkalinity and Hardness

This chapter aims to provide a basic understanding of the concepts including some basic chemistry. Water is a substance that can be both an acid and a base because it dissolves in water. Important factor when talking about pH and the so-called carbonate system is the total dissolved inorganic carbon or total carbonate carbon. The alkalinity of a water sample is measured with titration. The alkalinity of natural water varies a lot and is dependent on the draining ground. There has to be some alkalinity in water for aquaculture because there have to be ions in the water for growing fish. The hardness of the water is typically represented by the amount of calcium and magnesium. Water hardness may also be an important parameter for precipitation, and the term was introduced in relation to precipitation of soap. A number of agents or chemicals can be used to increase or decrease the pH in the water.