Water quality question

[NikkiY]

I just tested my water. pH is 7.4, KH is 13dKH, 0 Nitrite, 0 Ammonia but the dGH is virtually 0. Should I be worry about this low GH value?

Thanks.

Nikki

 

[SirMinion]

Low general hardness is sometimes a result of high nitrAte and I notice that you didn't mention a nitrAte reading.

Of course if the low general hardness is harmfull or not depends on the species of fish you have.

I'd do a water change anyway, just to be sure.

 

[NikkiY]

Hmmmm. some of my serpaie tetras have become very pale. Could hight nitrate be the problem? I don't have a nitrate test kit. Perhaps I should invest in one now.

Nikki

 

[steelhealr]

Hi...I have to disagree with SirMinion. gH. or general hardness, is a measurement of the mineral content of your water..predominantly calcium, magnesium and iron. A low gH means you have very soft water or hardly any mineral content. I DO agree with SirMinion on nitrate...you must test for this. In fact, after your tank settles in, I think pH and nitrate become the most important tests if your ammonia and nitrite are consistently zero. Although nitrate is much less toxic than ammonia and nitrite, it can progessively build overtime and cause your fish to be stressed and become ill.

As for your high kH..this is your carbonate hardness, or your buffering capacity. I think it's kind of strange that you have a very high kH with a very low gH. What is your tap water readings? Do you add any treatments to the water or have plants? SH

 

[NikkiY]

What is your tap water readings? Do you add any treatments to the water or have plants? SH

My tap water reading is around 6.2 pH. Before I added water to the tank I will always alter the pH chemically to around 7.0. However, the pH of my tank almost constanly reading 7.4. It is a planted freshwater tank with CO2 added.

I will get my nitrate test kit soon.

Nikki

 

[steelhealr]

Ahhh..the high kH is from the buffering you are adding to the water. I'll bet your water is like mine....very soft. I have a dkH of 2 and gH not more than 1 or 2. SH

 

[NikkiY]

Ahhh..the high kH is from the buffering you are adding to the water. I'll bet your water is like mine....very soft. I have a dkH of 2 and gH not more than 1 or 2. SH

SH,

Yeah, my GH has always been low. Few months ago, the dGH was around 3. Llately it is virtually zero. Should I do anything about it or just leave it alone?

Nikki