Disclaimer
AquaCalc is designed to help you make better decisions for your aquarium — not to replace your own judgement. Please read this before relying on any result or recommendation you find here.
Short version: Our tools and articles are as accurate as we can make them, but aquarium keeping involves real animals and real water chemistry — results can vary based on your specific setup, equipment, and livestock. Always use your own test kit to verify parameters, and use common sense before making significant changes to a live tank.
1. For information only
Everything on AquaCalc — calculators, guides, articles, and recommendations — is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not professional veterinary, biological, or scientific advice.
We put a great deal of care into the accuracy of our tools and the science behind our articles. Where possible, we reference peer-reviewed research and established aquarium chemistry. However, no calculator or article can account for every variable in every aquarium, and the hobby involves living systems that do not always behave predictably.
2. Accuracy and limitations
Our calculators use accepted formulas and real-world constants, but results are estimates, not guarantees. Factors that can affect accuracy include:
- Test kit variance — hobbyist test kits (drop and strip) have a margin of error. A calculated target of pH 6.8 does not mean your test kit will read exactly 6.8.
- Equipment differences — CO₂ diffuser efficiency, filter flow rates, and heater accuracy all vary by brand and age.
- Water source variation — tap water KH, GH, and pH vary by region and season. Our tools use the values you enter; if those values are inaccurate, the results will be too.
- Active substrates — products like ADA Amazonia and Oase Aqua Soil alter water chemistry independently. The standard CO₂/KH/pH formula may not apply when active substrate is present.
- Livestock sensitivity — individual fish, plants, and invertebrates vary in their tolerance. Species care guides describe typical ranges, not guaranteed safe limits for every specimen.
3. Always verify with your own testing
Never rely solely on a calculated result when making changes that could affect your livestock. Always:
- Test your water with a reliable test kit before and after making changes
- Make changes gradually — particularly with CO₂, pH, hardness, and salinity
- Watch your fish and plants for signs of stress when adjusting parameters
- Allow time for new changes to stabilise before testing and adjusting further
This is especially important for CO₂ injection, RO water mixing, and any dosing or remineralisation changes — all areas where a miscalculation or equipment fault can affect livestock quickly.
4. Articles and guides
Our articles aim to explain the science behind aquarium keeping accurately and accessibly. Where we cite research, we reference it as faithfully as we can. However:
- The aquarium hobby evolves — best practice changes over time, and some articles may not reflect the most recent research
- Scientific consensus on some topics (e.g. ideal CO₂ levels, planted tank lighting) is not universal — our articles represent a well-reasoned position, not the only valid one
- Articles written for a general audience simplify complex chemistry. Specialists may find some nuance missing by design
5. No liability for livestock or equipment
AquaCalc and SaneChoice accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, harm, or damage arising from the use of our tools, calculators, or articles — including but not limited to:
- Fish, plant, invertebrate, or coral loss
- Equipment damage or failure
- Water quality problems in your aquarium
- Financial loss of any kind
By using AquaCalc you accept that you are responsible for your own aquarium, your own decisions, and the welfare of your livestock.
6. External links
Some articles link to external websites for further reading or product examples. These links are provided for convenience — we do not endorse, control, or take responsibility for the content of any external site. Linked content may change or become inaccurate after the time of writing.
7. Errors and updates
We take accuracy seriously and correct errors promptly when they are identified. If you believe something on AquaCalc is incorrect, misleading, or out of date, please let us know via the feedback form — we genuinely appreciate it.
Content on AquaCalc is updated periodically. The version of a page you are reading may not reflect the most recent changes — check the "Last updated" date on articles for guidance.
8. Changes to this disclaimer
We may update this disclaimer from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of AquaCalc after a change constitutes acceptance of the updated disclaimer.
9. Contact
If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please use the feedback form. We are a small team and respond to all genuine enquiries.