GH and KH

[Erin Sarah]

Can someone please explain what the GH and KH mean, I test for them but don't really understand it. Also how can you change them both

 

[jcolon]

GH = General Hardness
KH = Carbonate Hardness

Both measure dissolved solids (Minerals) in water that can help buffer your tank against pH swings. Higher numbers generall indicate you have hardwater .. lower number indicate you have softwater.

Some minerals do not affect pH ... but changes in KH can means changes in pH ... carbonate rocks increase pH ... like limestone / dolostone / marble.

See the link below for some more info ...
Aquarium Chemistry; Calcium, KH, GH, pH, Electrolytes, Magnesium, Mineral Ions, Cations

Hope this helps.

 

[Wy Renegade]

Here is another link to an excellent article as well.

GH = general hardness; measures calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Most people and most fish deal with general hardness.

KH = carbonate hardness; measures the alkalinity of the water. It can be a big deal with African cichlids and some invertebrates.

Water Chemistry: pH, GH and KH What are they all? - Scott Thomson

 

[Erin Sarah]

Thank you so much for the help

 

[jcolon]

Here is another link to an excellent article as well.

GH = general hardness; measures calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Most people and most fish deal with general hardness.

KH = carbonate hardness; measures the alkalinity of the water. It can be a big deal with African cichlids and some invertebrates.

Water Chemistry: pH, GH and KH What are they all? - Scott Thomson

That is a good article... Gets to the point... Bookmarked it.