There are different levels of definitions for KH and GH. It can be as simple as "I measured KH and it was 20 ppm so I added baking soda until it was 100 ppm". In this case KH is just a name for a test, which as far as the user is concerned is a measurement of how much baking soda is in their pond. Perfectly good definition for that person. End of story for them. It did require them learning that KH and baking soda had some relationship even if they don't understand exactly how it works. I can know to put gas in my car without knowing how an engine works, or these days even that a car has an engine. I have a gauge (test) that says "add gas" and how much.
Another person might do exactly the same but also choose to measure pH too. They might notice pH is 8.8 or 9 and would rather have it be 8.3. So they might do a little reading and see GH can do that for them and choose to measure GH too. Finding it 20 ppm they would add calcium chloride and magnesium until GH was 100 ppm. That can be the end of the story for them.
Testing water and having zero idea what it means at any level would be a waste of time. If I don't know what a gas gauge measures there's no point of having a gas gauge. I'm going to keep running out of gas and calling AAA to come out and figure it out for me. There are different ways to learn things. Reading is easier imo.
You really don't exactly have to be a chemist to understand KH and GH at these levels. But KH and GH can be further defined into greater detail if a person's wishes. In discussions about these things, there is an assumption that if people are reading it they would have enough interest in the subject to learn what is being discussed. Otherwise why waste time reading it?
But like I said, many people prefer not to understand KH and GH at any level and don't bother testing water at all. That's fine for them, it's a free world. Nothing can be written to force a person to learn something. They have to make the effort.
Another person might do exactly the same but also choose to measure pH too. They might notice pH is 8.8 or 9 and would rather have it be 8.3. So they might do a little reading and see GH can do that for them and choose to measure GH too. Finding it 20 ppm they would add calcium chloride and magnesium until GH was 100 ppm. That can be the end of the story for them.
Testing water and having zero idea what it means at any level would be a waste of time. If I don't know what a gas gauge measures there's no point of having a gas gauge. I'm going to keep running out of gas and calling AAA to come out and figure it out for me. There are different ways to learn things. Reading is easier imo.
You really don't exactly have to be a chemist to understand KH and GH at these levels. But KH and GH can be further defined into greater detail if a person's wishes. In discussions about these things, there is an assumption that if people are reading it they would have enough interest in the subject to learn what is being discussed. Otherwise why waste time reading it?
But like I said, many people prefer not to understand KH and GH at any level and don't bother testing water at all. That's fine for them, it's a free world. Nothing can be written to force a person to learn something. They have to make the effort.
