The Effect of Low KH on Aquarium Plants

Low carbonate hardness (low KH) can be detrimental to aquarium plants. It's not clear why the letters KH are used to abbreviate carbonate hardness, given that C stands for carbon. It is clear, however, that the combined concentration of carbonate and bicarbonate equals carbonate hardness. This also is referred to as alkalinity. Power of hydrogen, better known as pH, is a measurement of hydrogen ions in water. Low KH can cause an imbalance in pH levels and possibly initiate a pH crash.

  1. Identification

    • The amount of pH in aquarium water is important because it is an indication of how much acid the water contains. Acidic aquarium water is the best way to identify a low KH problem. The carbonates that perform as pH buffers can cause the KH and pH levels to rise or fall simultaneously. General hardness (GH) of aquarium water also is related to the health of aquarium plants. GH represents the combination of calcium and magnesium in water.

    Effects

    • Acidic aquarium water is the result of low KH. Measurements are determined by aquarium water parameters that are standard in the aquatic world. KH helps to stabilize the pH level in an aquarium. The proper pH balance must be maintained to accommodate the type of plant life in the aquarium. The need for variations in the hardness or softness of aquarium water is important. Some plants are native to soft water while others are native to a hard-water environment. Knowing the kind of environment your plants require is a necessity.

    Consideration

    • Tests may be conducted on tap-water and freshwater aquariums to determine whether KH or pH levels are too high or too low. The objective is to duplicate the natural habitat of the aquarium's fish and plant life. The right balance in the aquarium water also eliminates stress on fish, a common result of rapid pH shifts.

    Prevention

    • There are some simple solutions to prevent low a level of KH and to adjust a KH level that are too high. Baking soda has been known to increase the level of KH, and distilled water is said to decrease KH's level.

    Warning

    • Because the KH level directly affects pH balance, modifications have a serious impact on both KH and pH. Adjustments to the KH level are generally not recommended. If your fish and plant life are thriving, it is suggested that you not make unnecessary changes that could harm the aquarium environment. If adjustments are made, they always should be done with caution.