💧 Water Chemistry Demystified – Understanding pH, KH, GH & TDS for Aquarium Success

🌊 Why Water Chemistry Matters in Aquariums

Most new aquarists believe clean water is enough for healthy fish and plants. But in reality, water chemistry is the invisible foundation of every thriving aquarium. If your pH, KH, GH, or TDS are out of balance, even the best equipment won’t save your fish or corals.

At ProHobby™ Delhi NCR, we guide aquarists through the science of water chemistry — making sure planted, marine reef, brackish, and biotope tanks stay stable and stress-free.

🧪 Key Water Parameters Explained

1. pH – Acidity or Alkalinity

• What it is: Measures how acidic (low pH) or alkaline (high pH) your water is.
• Why it matters: Different species need specific pH ranges. Discus thrive in soft acidic water (pH 6–6.5), while African cichlids need alkaline conditions (pH 7.8–8.5).
• Delhi NCR tip: Tap water often leans towards alkaline — test before stocking sensitive species.

2. KH – Carbonate Hardness

• What it is: Buffering capacity of water, stabilizing pH.
• Why it matters: Low KH = pH swings = stressed fish and plant die-offs. High KH helps brackish and cichlid tanks.
• Delhi NCR tip: Many areas have fluctuating KH in tap water — always test and supplement if needed.

3. GH – General Hardness

• What it is: Measures dissolved calcium and magnesium.
• Why it matters: Essential for fish bone/scale health, shrimp molting, and plant nutrient uptake.
• Delhi NCR tip: Tap water GH varies across regions — RO water + remineralization is often the safest choice.

4. TDS – Total Dissolved Solids

• What it is: Overall measure of minerals, salts, and impurities.
• Why it matters: High TDS = stress, algae outbreaks, poor plant growth. Low TDS = suitable for sensitive species.
• Delhi NCR tip: TDS is often high due to municipal treatment — ProHobby™ recommends RO filtration for precision setups.

🐠 Water Chemistry Across Tank Types

• Planted Aquariums: Stable pH (6.5–7.2), moderate GH, balanced KH → lush growth.
• Marine Reef Tanks: Alkalinity (KH), calcium, magnesium, and stable salinity → coral survival.
• Brackish Tanks: Mid-range salinity + alkaline buffer → scats, puffers, and archerfish thrive.
• Biotope Tanks: Species-specific chemistry that mimics natural rivers, lakes, or estuaries.

✅ How ProHobby™ Helps You Get it Right

1. Expert Guidance – We match water chemistry to your chosen species and tank style.
2. Professional Water Testing Kits – pH, KH, GH, TDS, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate.
3. RO Filtration Solutions – Pure water foundation for all setups.
4. Conditioners & Buffers – Safely adjust chemistry without harming livestock.

⚠️ Common Mistakes Hobbyists Make

• Adding fish without testing water.
• Ignoring KH (leading to sudden pH crashes).
• Using emersed-grown plants that melt under unstable chemistry.
• Overloading tanks in high-TDS Delhi NCR water.
• Relying only on tap water instead of stabilizing it.

📍 Visit ProHobby™ – Your Local Aquarium Experts

ProHobby™ – Delhi NCR’s Most Trusted Aquarium Shop
Plot No. 154, Nanda Enclave, Gali No. 2, Ch Nanda Singh Marg, Ambarhai, Sector 19, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075
📞 8130316186

We specialize in:

• Planted, Marine Reef, Brackish & Biotope setups 🌊
• Custom aquariums & premium cabinets 🏡
• Quarantined livestock & submerged-grown plants 🐟🌱
• Professional-grade filters, lights, substrates & fertilizers💡

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