hardness ?

jet_mek · 10-08-2003, 3:24 AM

Hi everybody,

I've been a long time reader of this forum and I'd like to thank everybody for all the useful information I've found here. I've had two tanks set up for about 3.5-4 years now and I want to overhaul my 35 and plant it. I've done all the research and have a complete system designed; H.P. CO2, H.O. fluorescent, flourite bed, etc..., but haven't installed it yet.

The tank has been going for about 3 years without any major difficulties and all my water conditions are optimal and stable. From the tap my water reads; pH=7.6, 10 dKH, 24 dGH. In the tank I add peat to my canister filter and the readings are; pH=7.4, 4 dKH, 22 dGH. I understand how pH and KH relate to each other and CO2, but I can't seem to find out how the general hardness effects the plants. If anybody could shed some light on this problem I'd appreciate it.

Jim

The Gipper · 10-09-2003, 8:34 AM

http://www.aquariumpharm.com/articles/plants.asp

RTR · 10-09-2003, 10:24 AM

GH is trivial for plants, KH is important for measuring your CO2, but in reality is relatively trivial for plants as well. The referenced site is trying to sell you things you may or more likely may not need.

For more than you wanted to know about hardness, try:

http://www.tomgriffin.com/aquasource/hardwater.shtml