So, first off I guess really we're talking alkalinity and not really kH but hey ho. Whilst I'm not really interested in adjusting my kH, it is fairly low around the 3 mark and it works fine for me, I keep seeing, in forums, social media groups and websites recommendations to raise this up. I am more interested in why this would keep being recommended rather than actually doing it.
Now, I understand the purpose of buffering against the oh so dreaded pH drop *shudder* and what not but if between water changes you're not seeing a tremendous fall in pH (apart from the daily one due to co2) and you still have some reading of alkalinity left before the change is there any need to raise it?
Are there different guidelines on how much to care about the alkalinity in a planted tank as oppose to a fish tank with plants?
I guess certain species of fish would prefer higher kH values?
I mainly keep my tank on the motto 'if it looks healthy then it's all good' but I do like to understand why suggestions are made or the theory behind what I'm reading.
Now, I understand the purpose of buffering against the oh so dreaded pH drop *shudder* and what not but if between water changes you're not seeing a tremendous fall in pH (apart from the daily one due to co2) and you still have some reading of alkalinity left before the change is there any need to raise it?
Are there different guidelines on how much to care about the alkalinity in a planted tank as oppose to a fish tank with plants?
I guess certain species of fish would prefer higher kH values?
I mainly keep my tank on the motto 'if it looks healthy then it's all good' but I do like to understand why suggestions are made or the theory behind what I'm reading.