Scarletmonuka Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 Is the only reason we monitor kh in an African cichlid tank is so that the ph stays stable? Or is there another reason the like a high kh? If so will a lower kh be much of a problem when ph stays stable? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 I'd say the pH staying stable would be a minor added bonus of having a higher KH, having the KH closer to what your fish naturally experience would be more beneficial than the more stable pH [provided it wasn't crashing extremely low]. KH has far more effect on the fish and how they osmoregulate than pH. This a long but fairly good read on the subject, once you get your head around it! http://www.tbas1.com/Exchange/The%20New ... d%2011.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nudge Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 doesn't a low kh mean that your ph can be more unstable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarletmonuka Posted November 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 I'd say the pH staying stable would be a minor added bonus of having a higher KH, having the KH closer to what your fish naturally experience would be more beneficial than the more stable pH [provided it wasn't crashing extremely low]. KH has far more effect on the fish and how they osmoregulate than pH. This a long but fairly good read on the subject, once you get your head around it! http://www.tbas1.com/Exchange/The%20New ... d%2011.pdf Wow that is a mouthful of a article. I think I'll have a go at reading it when I'm not starting work at 4 am. Thanks And nudge our tap water is low kh but the water in the tank seems to stay round 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nudge Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 My tap wter was a low kh to but the ph stayed pretty stable at 7-7.2 I have recently moved and we are on tank water so I am adding baking soda and Epsom salt to boost my kh which now sits on kh12 and ph 8, easy enough to do if you are worried and want to bring your kh up. IMO if its stable out of the tap then don't mess with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit Posted November 5, 2013 Report Share Posted November 5, 2013 Osmoregulaton is a major, it allows the up take of minerals and dispelling of toxins, working similar on a biological scale to how a ro unit works, kh allows the gravity of water to flow correctly through the fish as to there biological settings. Kh, and Gh while broad spectrum's can be tolerated are essential. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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