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KH.
KH is Carbonate (or Temporary) Hardness of the water, and is closely
tied with the PH values. The KH acts as a buffer to the PH readings
effectively propping it up, and preventing any rapid drops in the
PH values (an effect known as acidity drops). The lower the KH value
is, then the less stable the PH becomes, especially when extra stock
is added to the aquarium. This is extremely dangerous, as fish require
a stable PH value and ANY rapid changes to the PH value MUST ALWAYS
BE AVOIDED.
A balance between a PH value that a specific fish (or tank of fish)
needs and the KH value that best serves as a buffer to hold that
PH value stable is required for long term success. There is no hard
and fast rule for this, but as a general guide, Barbs, Angels, Danios,
Rasboras, Gouramis, South American species etc. need a lower PH
level, so a lower KH value will be required. In the case of fish
that need a higher PH value such as Swordtails, Platties, Mollies,
and some Cichlids etc. then a higher KH value is needed to help
hold the higher PH value up where it is needed.
GH.
GH stands for General Hardness and is the measurement of the dissolved
Calcium and Magnesium salts that are present in the water. Generally
the harder the water, the more salts are present and so the higher
the GH reading will be. These salts directly influence the metabolism
of the fish. Incorrect levels of GH can lead to a breakdown of the
internal organs of the fish. This is then often followed by a secondary
disease or bacterial infection. As we saw with the wrong PH values
for fish, similar or identical problems can be expected if the GH
reading is incorrect.
It should now be clearly obvious that these three elements are equally
as important as those associated with the Biological filter. The
incorrect levels of these elements can have devastating effects
that are all too often seen as an out break of disease, rather than
a reaction to incorrect water chemistry.
The three standard test kits needed to
monitor the chemical make up of water are.
PH. (A digital
PH meter is a good investment and more accurate.)
KH.
GH.
( A full list of the kits that are available
is included in our stock list. )
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