GH and KH for shrimp: what is the difference?
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GH describes hardness mainly from calcium and magnesium. An aquarium KH test measures acid-neutralizing capacity, usually mainly from bicarbonate and carbonate. The two numbers are not interchangeable. Suitable GH does not establish that pH buffering is suitable.
Read the combination
- Low GH with measurable KH: buffering may be present while calcium and magnesium hardness is low. Adding more KH does not solve that.
- Measurable GH with low KH: this can be intentional in a soft-water bee setup. Zero KH alone does not establish a fault.
- Both high: check source water and mineral products before diluting.
Compare with the exact species and the conditions in which the animals were kept. Bee/Taiwan Bee, Neocaridina and Sulawesi do not need identical water systems. Caridina alone is insufficient: the genus also includes Amano and Sulawesi shrimp.
What the tests cannot tell you
GH does not identify the calcium-to-magnesium ratio. KH cannot predict an exact pH without information about CO2 and other buffers. A TDS meter cannot replace either test. A failed moult does not establish mineral deficiency: also check recent changes and water quality.
Sources and scope
- SRAC 464: Interactions of pH, Carbon Dioxide, Alkalinity and Hardness
- SaltyShrimp: Bee Shrimp Mineral GH+
- SaltyShrimp: Shrimp Mineral GH/KH+
Measurement and preparation principles come from the cited sources. The investigation sequence is an editorial judgement. Fish farming, drinking-water or livestock figures are not established safe limits or treatments for dwarf shrimp. Product instructions apply to the named product.
