pH and KH. Which is more important.

[feemia]

I've made a chart of the pH and KH ranges that the species in my tank prefer and figure that pH of 7.0 and KH of 10 are acceptable numbers to keep everyone happy. My actual values, however, are pH 8.0 and KH 5.

It seems from the research that I've done that it is difficult to both lower pH and raise KH. Which figure is more important to the fish?

 

[bkw1982]

a steady number of both are perfered to the "perfect number of either". in other words your fish will adapt to the kh and ph of the tank, unless they are a super sensitive fish that absolutly need the proper kh and ph.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

what kind of fish? most fish can live in higher ph. its better to have stable water then one that swings. that will just cause more harm then good.

 

[feemia]

I have Zebra Danios, Platy, Otos and Corys. They seem to be doing well, so I guess I'll just leave it alone unless they start to act sick or stressed. One of my Corys died, but I'd only had him 2 days so I'm more inclined to blame the pet store than my tank.

 

[Soulcoffr]

Messing with water chemistry is something best left to someone experienced and needs specific levels for breeding or something. For the fish you want to keep, they're probably already adapted to local water conditions. Or they will be soon.

 

[ChicoRaton]

Most pet stores use tap water, so if you are on the same municipal water supply as the store you're buying fish from, they are already adapted. Just do plenty of water changes and don't mess with kh or ph.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

From the mirror site to thekrib.com-
http://fins.actwin.com/aquariafaq.html

KH doesn't affect fish directly, so there is no need to match fish species to a particular KH.

 

[Jessu]

KH?

 

[Star_Rider]

carbonate hardness-alkalinity of the water= the ability to resist pH change with the addition of an acid..CO2 for instance bonds with water creating carbonic acid which in essence will decrease the pH to a more acid solution.