GH and KH question...

K

kris_66

AC Members
Nov 21, 2010
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Moreno Valley, California
Real Name
Kristina
I just did a GH and KH test. KH is 4. It took 4 drops to change color. On the chart it says its 71.6.

GH was like 5-6. After 5 drops it seemed to change slightly to the green color, but by the 6th drop it was a definate green. On the chart that says its 89.5 (for 5 drops) to 107.4 (for 6 drops).

Is this ok for my tank that has 1 angel, 6 cardinals, 1 ADF, 2 yoyos, 7 gold pristellas, 5 dwarf neon rainbows and 1 vampire pleco?

How often should I do these particular tests? As often as the other parameter tests or less often?
 
Unless you're modifying your water, or your water source tends to change, there's no need to do them particularly often. They tell you you've got moderately soft water so just avoid mollies and rifties.
 
A suggestion.

Go to your local water board's website. They should have an annual report stating the high/low and probably the average of the hardness coming out of thier system. That should give you a general idea if your hardness will change with time over a year. I know some areas that are lake fed can have swings as the spring thaws and runoffs can have an impact on hardness.
 
Most fish will adapt to small changes in GH and KH. The only time when these parameters really become critical is when your KH falls drastically. This will allow more fluctuation in pH, which your more sensitive fish may not like. That said, if you have a KH of at least 1-2 degrees, you have enough buffering capacity to keep your pH stable. GH on the other hand isn't nearly as important, unless you are trying to grow certain softwater plants, or are keeping fish that come from extremely soft acidic waters(various blackwater sp.), and are trying to get them to breed.
 
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