Aquarium Chemistry; GH

[Carl]

I updated my Aquarium Chemistry article to provide more clarification as to GH, in particular an increasing GH test results due to inadequate water changes or simply only "topping off" for evaporation

Aquarium Chemistry; GH Increase, Mineral Depletion

Carl

[goldenpuon]

I read the part of your article about increasing GH and I am a bit worried about my aquariums, I tested my goldfish's GH in the 10 and 40 gallon aquariums and the GH in one was over 300. I forgot if it was in the 10 gallon or in the 40 which has more organic matter at the moment.

I am not sure if this is the effect of a larger than normal amount of wondershell put in a couple weeks ago (a water change was done after that) or perhaps a water quality problem.

I say a "water quality problem" because my KH in both tanks is under 120 and the PH is 6.8-7.2. The GH in the 40 gallon is lower than in the 10 gallon. However, both tanks have 0 nitrites and the 40 has nitrates of 20-30 and the 10 gallon nitrates around 10.

The waste output of my goldfish has tripled as of late so I am cutting back on feeding.

Just last week, I completely cleaned my 40 gallon due to its dirtiness (filter, changed 33% of the water, siphoned, etc.)

I remember that you said organic matter can lower PH. If this is the case, would the lower PH and KH and higher GH in my 40 gallon be an indicator of too much organic matter or poor water qualtiy?

Also, I hope this was the right forum to post this in. I thought since it is related ot your article it would be ok to post here.

Thanks. Renee

[goldenpuon]

I retested for the 40 gallon which has 8 goldfish from 2 -4 1/2 inches.

The readings are:

Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: almost 30
PH: 6.9-7.0
KH: 80
GH: 270-290 about

Last cleaned: 7-9 days ago. Gravel-less tank. Some waste visible at the bottom

[Carl]

I do not see a problem with your readings.

If you double check the article, it is about every increasing GH due to poor maintenance procedures, as well as noted in this article it takes a GH of over 500 to cause problems.

I remember that you said organic matter can lower PH. If this is the case, would the lower PH and KH and higher GH in my 40 gallon be an indicator of too much organic matter or poor water qualtiy?

A lower KH and pH can be an indicator of too much organic matter, but not a higher GH; this can be caused be supplements (which is generally a good reason for increases) or using "top offs" for evaporation to (not a good way to increase GH as you build up the minerals without the cations).

Carl

[goldenpuon]

Thanks Carl. Probably very little amiss other than I need to do routine cleaning on my tank then. I think I was probably watching my fish too closely and overreacting (which I tend to do).

I am cleaning the tank tomorrow anyway so it shouldn't be a problem.

I saw two small dark areas on my completely white goldfish's fin and my mind jumped to thinking about nitrite/ammonia burn although that is not the case according to my fish's behavior and my water tests.

And I saw a fish take another's waste into its mouth and not spit it out making me think something like debris worms were in the tank (meaning it ate a worm, not waste).

Anyway, sorry for rambling. Just explaining a bit I guess how I was overreacting/drawing conclusions without logic.