[khoile]

Hi,

Could some one let me know what's my GH is through this report. I know GH is General Hardness, but this report list Total Hardness, are they the same?

Thanks.
http://teamvn.com/khoi/waterparams.jpg

 

[GTApuffgal]

It's the same thing!

Kathy

 

[greenfish]

I may be wrong but I thought total hardness was GH+KH?

 

[khoile]

So I have a GH of 177/17.9 = 9.8, is this too hard for plants? I plan to have lots of stem, java fern, java sword, and ricca.

What's the best and cheapest way to soften water?

Thanks.

 

[GTApuffgal]

You're right, Greenfish - brain fart. (Smack the former water treatment tech upside the head please...)

My (very limited) understanding though is that Kh is more crucial to aquatic plants than total hardness... Is that correct? (And now stepping aside for the less impulsive and far more experienced)

Kathy

 

[greenfish]

It's ok GTAPuffergal. I am still learning all this stuff and wasn't sure.

I also think Alkalinity = KH

I'm am not 100% sure on all this so hopefully someone else can come along and verify this.

 

[khoile]

This is what I know so far:

KH is important because it has direct relationship between CO2 and PH.

GH is not as important, but I guess I would like to know if hard water has any effect on plants and fish.

I think Alkalinity is KH also.

Khoi,

 

[greenfish]

KH will determine your buffering capacity of your PH.

 

[Stu]

The Krib is your guide here. It may be a little too scientific for some, but it does fully explain the properties of hardness.

Link

 

[khoile]

Can some how help calm my worry that you can't plant with hard water? It seem like my water is 10-12 KH/GH. Should start to think about getting a RO system to soften it? or is it ok to plant. I have plant coming today and don't want to kill it with my hard water.

Thanks.

 

[Rolo]

Don't worry, most plants will do ok in hard water. There are a few species that won't tolerate it.

To clear things up - Total hardness is GH, and alkalinity is KH. Total hardness is not KH + GH since each measure totally different ions. GH primarily measures calcium and magnesium ions. KH primarily measures bicarbonate.