what are GH levels

[sharkbait]

I was asked on the fish emergencies what my GH levels. I have no idea what this means, nor a test for them.

What other things apart from Ammonia nitrites nitrates and PH do people test for?
I guess I'm not the only one in the dark.

thanks
Stuart

 

[mrV]

Deutschland, Deutschland über alle...

GH = overall / total hardness (GH = Gesamthärte)

 

[nightlife20]

i was informed that u realy dont have to have this test kit... its not somthin u have to test all that often... think he said once in the entire time u have the tank.... dunno if its true or not tho...


the only test kits iv got is
ph, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate...


Dawn xx

 

[Mogo]

Nice explanation Mr.V

GH (general, total, overall...) hardness is the measure of the total dissolved minerals in the water, for example calcium and magnesium...etc. Some fish come from mineral depleted waters (low Gh) and others come from mineral rich waters (high GH)

KH which means carbonate hardness is the measure of carbonate and bicarbonate in the water. Some people also refer to the KH as the waters buffering capacity. The abililty of the water to maintain and keep a pH stable. KH and pH kind of go hand in hand. Ususually water with a high pH also has a high KH, and vice versa.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

GH levels are not very important unless you are doing laundry - I don't test for them myself.