Aquarium Chemistry- What is freshwater GH?
Walking through American Aquarium’s Chemistry article.
Going over the importance of General Hardness in a Freshwater Planted and really Saltwater too. Find out what most aquarium keepers are missing.
GH does help with pH swings, as does KH. GH has electrolytes which are a must for fish.
Going over the difference between an open and closed water system.
Here’s what you need to know. GH is made up of calcium and magnesium and other trace minerals. These minerals hold electrical charges, which is important for fish and plant, and even more important for RO/DI users. These electrolytes are important for fish osmregulation.
This is how fish keeps it’s immunity up and have best long-term healthy.
It’s recommend to have a constant supply of these GH minerals, as this is the difference between open water systems like a river and a closed system like an aquarium. Even regular water changes don’t give the constant supply fish and plants need.
Some fish prefer soft water, but this does not mean these electorates should be strip from the fish. RO water needs to be replenished.
Other facts, usually when you have a hard/high GH, the KH will also be high. GH is very important for photosynthesis to prevent pH swings when lights are all the way on. We recommend bio-available cal and mag.
Water changes are not like rivers flowing over rocks.
Much more information:
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