Post by Carl on Nov 10, 2021 18:23:02 GMT -5
AAP has updated on industry/hobby leading article on the subject of Redox Balance in aquarium keeping
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Redox_Potential.html
Here is an excerpt from about 2/3 through the article:
"Important; what is often missed, is that although you may test and, for instance find, high calcium levels in an aquarium via a GH over 300, this does not necessarily mean you have any Redox reduction as I should point out that very basic fact of Redox reduction is the donor (such as calcium) transfers electrons to another substance, and is thus, oxidized itself.
This is VERY key, meaning your GH test (or Calcium, Magnesium, etc tests in saltwater) may tell you that you have ample or even too much calcium, HOWEVER these calcium molecules may have already given up their electrons to other molecules such as fish cell molecules so as to achieve a state of balance in aquarium Redox.
This again is where many will claim that their calcium or other minerals are high enough or even too high (as many still get INCORRECTLY stressed about the high GH brought on by AAP Wonder Shells, totally missing that these mineral blocks are constantly reducing the water via their donation of electrons!).
This is also where water changes and UV Sterilization also help as these processes constantly balance out Redox.
Since water changes (which also aid in oxidation, which is the other side of the equation) can only be done in intervals.
Unless you have a flow through system, the use of mineral blocks, or other water conditioners as well as UV Sterilization to keep a more steady flow of electrolyte donation is important.
With the above statements in mind, one must look at two VERY basic organic chemical reactions that occur in an aquarium;
As stated in the opening section of this article; “oxidation of carbon to yield carbon dioxide”, this describes the process of nitrification or in other words the breakdown of organic wastes by Autotrophic nitrifying bacteria into ammonia and nitrites.
The higher the bio load, the more of this process is occurring. So it is imperative to replace elements such as negatively charged ions of calcium, magnesium, etc that are oxidized due to this process.
This is where many aquarists “miss the boat” as per reasons for water changes, replenishing minerals, or other Redox Reduction processes that will balance this out.
This is also why tanks without good ionized mineralization, UV Sterilization, water changes, etc. will often be MUCH less healthy as per disease resistance.
Reduction as also stated in the opening section: “reduction of carbon by hydrogen to yield methane (CH4)”, this describes the de-nitrification of nitrate as it reduces to nitrogen.
This process is more common in Marine tanks but can take place in freshwater in certain places where methane production is not an issue such as filters with anaerobic filtration that allow methane to escape (volcanic rock & SeaChem Matrix provide a good place for this process). Also the growth of plants, especially with strong roots in a sandy substrate allows for de-nitrification/Redox reduction.
This is an area where Veggie Filters in Ponds shine in their ability to maintain excellent bio parameters. This also to a lesser degree shows where some green algae growth is not all that bad."
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Redox_Potential.html
Here is an excerpt from about 2/3 through the article:
"Important; what is often missed, is that although you may test and, for instance find, high calcium levels in an aquarium via a GH over 300, this does not necessarily mean you have any Redox reduction as I should point out that very basic fact of Redox reduction is the donor (such as calcium) transfers electrons to another substance, and is thus, oxidized itself.
This is VERY key, meaning your GH test (or Calcium, Magnesium, etc tests in saltwater) may tell you that you have ample or even too much calcium, HOWEVER these calcium molecules may have already given up their electrons to other molecules such as fish cell molecules so as to achieve a state of balance in aquarium Redox.
This again is where many will claim that their calcium or other minerals are high enough or even too high (as many still get INCORRECTLY stressed about the high GH brought on by AAP Wonder Shells, totally missing that these mineral blocks are constantly reducing the water via their donation of electrons!).
This is also where water changes and UV Sterilization also help as these processes constantly balance out Redox.
Since water changes (which also aid in oxidation, which is the other side of the equation) can only be done in intervals.
Unless you have a flow through system, the use of mineral blocks, or other water conditioners as well as UV Sterilization to keep a more steady flow of electrolyte donation is important.
With the above statements in mind, one must look at two VERY basic organic chemical reactions that occur in an aquarium;
As stated in the opening section of this article; “oxidation of carbon to yield carbon dioxide”, this describes the process of nitrification or in other words the breakdown of organic wastes by Autotrophic nitrifying bacteria into ammonia and nitrites.
The higher the bio load, the more of this process is occurring. So it is imperative to replace elements such as negatively charged ions of calcium, magnesium, etc that are oxidized due to this process.
This is where many aquarists “miss the boat” as per reasons for water changes, replenishing minerals, or other Redox Reduction processes that will balance this out.
This is also why tanks without good ionized mineralization, UV Sterilization, water changes, etc. will often be MUCH less healthy as per disease resistance.
Reduction as also stated in the opening section: “reduction of carbon by hydrogen to yield methane (CH4)”, this describes the de-nitrification of nitrate as it reduces to nitrogen.
This process is more common in Marine tanks but can take place in freshwater in certain places where methane production is not an issue such as filters with anaerobic filtration that allow methane to escape (volcanic rock & SeaChem Matrix provide a good place for this process). Also the growth of plants, especially with strong roots in a sandy substrate allows for de-nitrification/Redox reduction.
This is an area where Veggie Filters in Ponds shine in their ability to maintain excellent bio parameters. This also to a lesser degree shows where some green algae growth is not all that bad."