Ph, Kh, Gh, and what these mean

[NavyDan]

Wife and I have OCD when it comes to wanting to emulate the exact environment from which our fish come from.

We measure everything the API test kit gives us, along with Kh and Gh.

I have been reading a ton on what each means, but am still slightly confused. Who can break it down for me?

I know Ph and Kh are related, Ph being lower with a lower Kh.

But, for fish like apistos, how do I keep hardness low? Our measurements yesterday were: 6.5 Ph, 17.9 Kh, 107.4 Gh. Currently running peat in filters with no carbon and no rocks, using Malaysian wood and soon to be oak leaves.

So, what do the measurements mean?
How do I get perfectly soft water?
Does anyone use or recommend a digital gauge as opposed to "innacurate API drops" ?

Thanks all.

[Alex1]

I heard it was better to let the fish get use to the Ph instead of bouncing them up and down, because that could stresses them out. But I would like to know more on the ph, kh, and gh thing too.


~ I love my fish

[Alex1]

My Co2 injection has lowered my ph to as low as 6.2. I kind of thought that was too low. I did not plan this but my fish like the lower ph.


~ I love my fish