Iwagumi_Scaper
Member
Hi guys,
Can anyone please explain to me the importance of KH in planted tanks and how it works with active substrates? I'm aware that KH buffers pH, and often in the shrimp keeping hobby people say you should keep KH at 0-1 so the buffering capacity of the substrate is not consumed.
Basically my questions are as follows:
1. Is lack of KH going to be detrimental to a planted tank?
2. Is lack of KH going to cause wild pH swings when co2 goes on/off and harm any livestock I add?
3. Is having higher KH (4 for example) going to deplete anything in the soil other than its buffering capacity? How would this affect pH etc.
I'm wondering whether it's better for me to have some KH, or have no KH. This particular tank probably isn't going to be housing any shrimp that require the lower pH.
If anyone can clear up my confusion I'd be very grateful
Chris
Can anyone please explain to me the importance of KH in planted tanks and how it works with active substrates? I'm aware that KH buffers pH, and often in the shrimp keeping hobby people say you should keep KH at 0-1 so the buffering capacity of the substrate is not consumed.
Basically my questions are as follows:
1. Is lack of KH going to be detrimental to a planted tank?
2. Is lack of KH going to cause wild pH swings when co2 goes on/off and harm any livestock I add?
3. Is having higher KH (4 for example) going to deplete anything in the soil other than its buffering capacity? How would this affect pH etc.
I'm wondering whether it's better for me to have some KH, or have no KH. This particular tank probably isn't going to be housing any shrimp that require the lower pH.
If anyone can clear up my confusion I'd be very grateful
Chris
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