Why test for GH? KH of 71.6ppm ok?

[wigglejaggles]

Hey Now,

I just got the AP master test kit along with a nitrate test box. I am wondering what the Gh tests for and why its important to test GH. Also, my water out of the tap is KH 76.6 ppm. PH 7.0

Is the KH ok for buffering capacity or too low? Does this mean my water is soft?

thanks!

take care,
Jared

[RTR]

"Soft" or "hard" water is technically defined by the GH (calcium and magnesium content), not the KH. High or low KH water may be called "high carbonate hardness" or "high alkalinity" or highly buffered, or the opposites if low KH, but when a fish in a text is called a hard water fish, it refers to the GH.

Your water has moderate carbonate hardness, and should be sufficiently buffered for most hobby purposes.

[wigglejaggles]

Thank you very much for the reply!