How to Test for Hardness?

[GeoPappas]

I purchased an API Freshwater Master Test Kit, which tests for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH. But it doesn't test for water hardness.

PetsMart sells an API Carbonate Hardness Test Kit that tests for kH:

Most of the articles that I read talk about dH.

What is the difference between kH and dH?

 

[GeoPappas]

OK, after some more searching on the web, I found the following thread which explains the difference between kH and dH:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-48179.html

But now my question is:

Should I be testing for KH or GH?

 

[J double R]

both.

 

[ct-death]

Generally you test for both, but after a while you know where your source water is and testing regularily is not necessary unless you are trying to breed fish and need ot monitor and/or alter the hardness in the water.

Kh and Gh measure slightly different things in the water.

May I ask the need to be overly concerned? usually most fish (and plants) are very adaptable (aquarium raised) and can thrive in many conditions once acclimated properly.

pH buffering could also be an issue...

 

[GeoPappas]

May I ask the need to be overly concerned?

I am not overly concerned. Just trying to learn about my tap water and the conditions required to create a healthy aquarium for fish to thrive in.

Does anyone know of a good GH testing kit that is readily available?

 

[Nolapete]

API has one.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13521&N=2004+114130

 

[mostlycichlids]

IMO GH is the most important to test for especially when acclimating new fish. You can get indivisual tests from Petsmart or www.drsfostersmith.com

 

[GeoPappas]

IMO GH is the most important to test for especially when acclimating new fish.

Why is that?

You can get indivisual tests from Petsmart..

I don't see a GH test kit on PetsMart.com, but I will check the store when I get a chance.

 

[mostlycichlids]

I don't see a GH test kit on PetsMart.com, but I will check the store when I get a chance.[/QUOTE]

Why is that?

Fish are more sensitive to the general hardness of the water opposed to the actual ph of the water. Why are you looking to test the KH anyway?

 

[silentskream]

there are some fish that need softer water, and others that need hard.

i think the question is what is the difference between KH and DH and GH
(correct me if i'm wrong on any of this please)

GH= general hardness of the water. by testing this, you get an overall idea of how hard your water is.. and since you dont care really what "kind" of hardness it is, that's all most fishkeepers need to know.

KH is basically a measurement of hardness based on carbonate. if you have a specific variety of picky fish that must have hard water, or very soft water, sometimes this will be important to check because it works differently from other minerals (which also make water hard) and the fish that need hard water, need carbonate. the fish that need soft water, can't have carbonate. Most of the fish you find in a store are somewhere in the middle.. and as long as your GH is reasonable, they'll be fine.

The best way to avoid any water hardness whatsoever is to use Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. you can buy a unit or you can buy the water. If you're going to have these "extreme" fish, this is usually recommended. (or if your GH is overboard straight from the tap) but for the most part, most fish can adapt just fine.