How important is GH

Ok well beginning of the December,when I found the forum,I had never tested water.I noticed very high Nitrate readings so I did small 20% daily WCs and increased over a week to daily 33% WCs.After the Nitrates lowered to an "acceptable" number I made changes of 33% every 3rd day.I just did my 1st one week 25% WC.I didn't bother checking GH because the main culprit was Trates.So I don't know how much it increases each day.

I'll try 2 25% WCs a week and see how it responds.Thanks

edit:
I'll have to check my fish and see what type water they prefer,soft,medium etc.

edit:I checked my fish prefrences:
Birchirs-Water chemistry Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6.5-7)

Clown loach---Water chemistry-Fairly soft, slightly acidic (pH 6-7) preferred, but will adapt to harder and more alkaline water.



Any South/Central fish that do like soft slightly acid that would work with these Birchirs and Loaches?
 
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I read in another forum that if I did the 24 hr test on tap water and my KH and GH changed that it meant my strips were bad..Is this true or not?

My KH dropped to 3.4
GH rose to 6.5

I had the tap water in a plastic cup for 24 hrs before testing.

I did check the date and it said best if used by 10/05..so they are overdue.
 
I haven't seen GH/KH liquid test..I'll look harder and check some other stores.
 
Okay I found liquid tests

I don't see how they're any more accurate in terms of reading..You add drops until the color changes.That could be anywhere from (as an example) 1.1-2 range.

So I went with the higher reading (in the tank)
GH 5
KH 4

tap water after 24 hrs
GH 3
KH 4

So my shift isn't as bad as thought,just bad strips.

Is there a KH/GH test thats super accurate,breaks it down to .5 increments?
I'm using TetraTest right now.

Also since my KH is safe for buffering,but I'm not ready to infuse,what would be the best option to raise KH?

I think I've read,and will search again,that crushed coral is the best way to go.This tank doesn't have chambers in the filter so would it work to just dump some into the tank? The 75 gallon tank/filter I'm getting will have compartments,so I know I can place it in there.
 
Thanks..adding a drop and then shaking and then adding a drop was/is a pain in the ***.Not to mention not knowing where in that range you were actually at.

AP has the best everything ..I use the Master kit but it doesn't have GH/KH tests.
 
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