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Mineral Chemistry
GH (General Hardness)
A measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water - essential minerals for fish osmoregulation, shrimp molting, and plant nutrition.
Unit: dGH Code: GH
📖 Overview
GH is measured in dGH (degrees of general hardness) or ppm as CaCO3. Fish from soft water (Amazon tetras, discus, Apistogramma) thrive in 4-8 dGH. Fish from hard water (livebearers, African cichlids) prefer 12-20 dGH. Shrimp molt properly only in adequate GH.
📈 How to Raise
GH booster (Salty Shrimp, Seachem Equilibrium). Crushed coral. Limestone. Seiryu stone. Calcium chloride.
📉 How to Lower
Reverse osmosis water dilution. Peat moss (softens over time). Distilled water. Rainwater (with caution).