Is KH bad for active substrates?

[Iwagumi_Scaper]

Hi all,

I've got my tank set up with Aquasoil and injecting co2. I've always been under the impression from what I've read that having water with KH depletes the nutrients in active substrates quickly? I've also read that some of the plants I have need a KH of 4-15. Is the plant going to suffer if I don't? Currently I use RO water with Salty Shrimp GH+ so the KH is very low (0-1). Should I start using some KH or keep it as it is?

Many thanks,

Chris

 

[Barbara Turner]

Plant wise I don't think it's super critical most plants are fairly tolerant, I would want it higher than 0-1 though, as a rule if thumb I usually try and keep gh and kh about the same. If you get your kh up to 3, I wouldn't worry.

I just add 20% tap water to my RO water.

If you do decide to make any changes to your water parameters do them gradually.