Api Gh/kd Test Results

[Marve99]

I have had the API master test kit since I bought my tank, realised that I should buy a new one given people recommend they are only good for a year or so (mine was 4 years old )

Whilst buying the new kit, I picked up additional test for GH and KH, completed the tests on tank water, but do not know what they mean

It took 7 drops to complete the GH test and 3 drops to complete the KH test.
For information PH Tank-6.5, PH Tap - 7.2

Can anyone explain what this means to me?

Should I perform this test on tank water AND tap water and compare?

Should these reults guide me when choosing new fish? (Ideally want to start a cichlid tank next year, but don't want to get bogged down if my water chemistry is completely wrong)

Many Thanks

 

[OldMan47]

The GH is telling you that the water is not very hard but is not what anyone would call soft either. The KH is saying that there is not much pH buffering capacity to the water and pH can move quickly in that kind of situation. The difference between tap and tank pH may be reflecting the lack of buffering capacity. Water changes that are often enough and big enough will keep the tank water closer to tap water pH.

If you compare tap water to tank water, you may find the KH of the tap water is higher because the biological processes in your tank will constantly lower KH.

If you are looking at South American cichlids, the water that you have is a fairly good match. If you are looking at African rift lake cichlids, you will need to add minerals to your water to make them happy.

 

[Marve99]

Thanks for that, even with every day water changes which I was doing until my tank cycled, I struggled to get my PH up to above 6.8. I guess that could be the bog wood though.

Ideally want African, so I'll have to do some groundwork to make it suitable

 

[drobbyb]

If you want african cichilds you can use a substrate that will buffer your water such as crushed coral or aragonite. That should get your pH and hardness where you want them.