question on water hardness

[jive]

i was wondering whats a good KH for growing plants. i just tested my aquarium and it says that my water sample is extremely soft. i have less then 1 degree of hardness. is that bad for plants and if so, how do get ur water hard? lol

 

[Silly me]

thats bad you'll need to add some magnesium aka epson salt and calcium, this wil increace both the PH and hardness of the water..

 

[freddyk]

Epsom salt affects the general hardness, he's talking about carbonate hardness.

The KH (Alkalinity) won't effect your plants, but it will your PH. I'd be concerned about the PH dropping quickly since KH basically acts as a buffer and keeps the PH stable.

When I had similar water to yours I used baking soda to raise it. It doesn't affect the general hardness, and probably will raise th PH a bit. I introduced 1 tsp per 20 gallons of water and measured the KH the following day, following this routine till I reached the desired level. You’ll need to add it to any water you change.

 

[jive]

whats the difference between KH and GH??

 

[freddyk]

Carbonate hardness vs General hardness. KH is pretty much the measurement of alkalinity of the water. GH is a measurement of mineral content, like calcium and magnesium, in the water. They are two seperate entities, yet linked at a certain level. I'm no chemist, so maybe someone else can give you a more thorough explanation. I do know that you don't want the GH too high (even with most Africans), while KH, as I mentioned, will have a direct effect on PH, but not the livestock.

 

[jive]

thanks