Importance Of Gh/kh?

[Drew&Dora]

As newbies to the wonderful and rewarding world of fishkeeping, we are consistently reminded to check for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. After more research on this hobby, we've learned that there are other things to look for such as general and carbonate hardness. So my questions are: what is the significance of these two factors and how often should we check it?

Thanks,
drew&dora

 

[Mikaila31]

KH is really only needed for certain methods of co2 monitoring, which is only important for planted tanks. So if the tank isn't planted KH doesn't really need to be checked IMO.

 

[Essjay]

Although constant monitoring of KH and GH is not important, it is helpful to know your tap levels.
For instance, I have low KH (36ppm) so I know it is important for me not to get lazy about doing water changes or I run the risk of a pH crash.

 

[Spooky76]

They are important if your PH needs to be maintained at certain levels.

Depending what fish you want and what PH your tapwater is really. Kh buffer is what stops your PH swinging wildly around.

Are you having PH problems or just asking ?

Really you want to watch your Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels. If anything odd happens, check your PH.

 

[waterdrop]

-All- the comments so far are quite good.

Here's a page that helped me understand it:

http/www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html

~~waterdrop~~
ie. for informational understanding

 

[Miss Wiggle]

aye, unless you get into specialist fields or have pH problems you don't need to worry about them. I've kept fish for 5+ years now, kept all sorts and i've never once tested for Gh or Kh (although my other half does for his planted tank) and tbh my understanding of them is vague at best!!!!

so, yes have a read of some info, if you like then get a test kit and work out where you're levels are, but unless you've any specific reason why you need to know, then don't worry yourself over not knowing.

 

[Drew&Dora]

They are important if your PH needs to be maintained at certain levels.

Depending what fish you want and what PH your tapwater is really. Kh buffer is what stops your PH swinging wildly around.

Are you having PH problems or just asking ?

Really you want to watch your Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate levels. If anything odd happens, check your PH.

I was just wondering. Our pH level is a steady 7.5.

 

[Drew&Dora]

Thanks a lot everyone. Since we do have a real plants, I'll make sure to check for GH and KH. Just to make sure, I'm supposed to use these measurements to figure out the CO2 content within the tank, right?

 

[Shrimper]

Like they all said GH/kh is only an issue if your keeping fish sensitive to it or checking levels to work out CO2

I have never tested for it in either of my tanks and don't feel i'm missing out by not knowing.