Testing Kh

[ICEEGRL]

What is the difference between kh and dkh?
I do regular testing with strips then double check anything out of the norm with liquid tests. The problem is I get a kh of 80 to 120. I was looking at the post with the chart to check co2 levels and it lists dkh, and the numbers are way lower.
Can someone please explain.

 

[Dave Spencer]

dKH refers to the German Scale of Degrees of Hardness, which I believe is the most internationally accepted standard. 1dKH = 17.8ppm.

If we take the middle of your two figures, you have 100ppm = 5.6dKH.

So, you have water with a carbonate hardness of 5 or 6.

Dave.

 

[ICEEGRL]

Thank you! I will be so glad when I learn all of this stuff. I hate having to ask all of these dumb questions.
Yall are very nice to take time to answer and explain things.
Thanks again!

 

[ICEEGRL]

According to the chart posted on the other thread for checking co2 levels I am in the green without even adding co2. Can that be right? ph is 6.8 and dkh is 5.6 so am I reading the chart wrong? Do I still need co2 if my levels are already good naturally?
Thanks

 

[Dave Spencer]

Reading pH/KH charts is fairly difficult, due to a lot of inherent inaccuracies with test kits. Colour interpretation can vary considerably from person to person.

The naturally occuring levels of CO2 in your tank will not be sufficient for your plants to flourish. Without any introduction of CO2 by you, your tank CO2 levels will be around equilibrium with atmospheric CO2 levels.

Dave.

 

[ICEEGRL]

Can you put a link to a chart with an explaination of how to read it. I figured I was looking at it wrong. I tried to copy the one I had found, but couldn't get it to do right.
Thanks

 

[Dave Spencer]

The calculator below agrees with your findings, but there is still the error for margin from how accurate test kits are and how accurately we interpret the colours. Vary the values you put in slightly, and you will be able to see how much of a difference it makes to the result.

http/www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm

 

[ICEEGRL]

Is there some info somewhere on the permanent tests that is fairly easy to understand? Something for someone that doesn't even know what one is...
I am planning to get a nutrifin kit and the diy mix when I get the money to get it.
Thanks

 

[ICEEGRL]

 

[ICEEGRL]