Low KH?

[Kyanite14]

My tank is always around 0-2 dKH, I have:

Java fern
Green Myrio
Anubia Frazeri
Green Wendtii

My PH seems stable at 7-7.2, is it a problem to have KH this low in a planted aquarium? My tap water only has 2-3 dKH. I’m hesitant to add any coral or aqua vitro carbonate, because I want the PH to stay neutral.

 

[Uberhoust]

I have very low KH water, doesn't show up on the tests. I also have java fern. The has been growing well with the low KH for years. I wouldn't say it grows fast but I have had to prune it many times to reduce its growth. The tank it is in is lit by a lower wattage LED light at 7000k, the light is further reduced by jungle val on the surface. I have no experience with the other plants.

 

[Byron]

The KH in my source water for 30 + years has been zero. Aside from the couple of years when I used dolomite as a buffer in one tank, I have never added anything for increasing the pH or KH, and all my tanks were thick with plants.

 

[2tank]

dont worry to much about kh, many aquasoils actually lower kh and gh in tanks.

 

[StevenF]

Coral would not increase your PH or PH. Coral (mainly calcium carbonate) only affects KH when it dissolves. Calcium carbonate only dissolves n acidic water with a PH below 7. As it dissolves it nuutralizes acids. Once the acids are neutralized the PH will stabilize at about 7.

aqua vitro carbonate (mainly potassium bicarbonate) however dissolves are all PH levels and therefore can push the PH way above 7. It will neutralize acids but it won't stabilize PH like caciumm and magnesium carbonates. Additionally too much potassium can be harmful to fish. Sodium bicarbonate behaves identically to potassium bicarbaonte. Also if you have too much potassium or too much sodium that can mess with the osmotic balance of fluids in the fish. If the osmotic balance is off the fish could die.