Aquarium Water Parameters: pH, KH, GH & TDS

Aquariums using aquasoil in soft water countries naturally have very low pH values. This usually sparks some concern among the aquarist crowd which worry that such a low pH will affect livestock or bacteria health in the tank. In this article we will examine how low pH tanks function, and whether one should increase the KH above a certain value.

pH, KH, GH, TDS - Introduction to basic water parameters in the context of a planted aquarium. Which parameter makes an impact in the aquarium? Do pH swings really affect fish? Do you need to buffer your KH to a few degrees in order to have a successful aquarium? We examine all these questions and more in this article.

What parameters do I check to see if I can grow soft water plants. How do I get soft water ?

What is TDS and does it matter? How does a high or low reading impact livestock and/or plant health? This article explores how to use a TDS meter effectively.

Is it important to maintain a specific pH? Is pH fluctuation due to CO2 injection important? What pH is good for fish and livestock?

Tap water quality can vary greatly from area to area. An easy way to plan ahead for your tank needs without spending money on test kits is to read the local tap water report on what is in our water. This guide explains how to interpret the numbers in a local water report and what parameters to look out for.