Kh

See tac.

In the aquariophilia, KH is an acronym which designates the degree of carbonate hardness of water. This measure is also known as total calcium and magnesium hardness. It is expressed in German degrees (° DH) or in French degrees (° FH).

The carbonate hardness of water is caused by the presence of bicarbonates and calcium and magnesium carbonates. These substances can be dissolved in water in the form of CA2+ and MG2+ ions.

The carbonate hardness of water is important for aquariophiles because it can affect the growth and health of fish and aquatic plants. For example, too soft water can be harmful for certain species of fish that need a certain carbonate hardness to develop and reproduce. Likewise, some aquatic plants need a certain carbonate hardness to push properly.

It is important to maintain carbonate hardness of water at a suitable level for fish and plant species that you have in your aquarium. You can measure the carbonate hardness of the water using a carbonated hardness test. There are many carbonate hardness tests available on the market, such as powdered tests, liquid tests and electronic tests.

To maintain carbonate hardness of water at an appropriate level, you can use products such as limestone rocks, sea sand and crushed coral. You can also add sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate to water from your aquarium to increase its carbonate hardness.

It is important to note that the carbonate hardness of water is not the only measure of water quality in an aquarium. There are other factors such as general harshness, pH and nitrates and phosphates that can affect the growth and health of fish and aquatic plants. It is therefore important to regularly monitor these parameters and keep them at appropriate levels to guarantee a healthy environment for your fish and plants.