is KH the same as alkalinity

[wareagle35031]

I know that is a dumb question, my carbonate hardiness is at 8 is that the same thing as alkalinity? do I need to raise it to around 10?

[Bogie]

kH or dkH is a unit of measurement of the alkalinity, just like degrees Celcuis is a unit of measurement for temperature. Alk needed depends on what you are keeping in the tank. Higher Alk levels around 12 dkH are recommended, so that the water can hold more Ca and Mag.
Here's a good thread to read through:
what is basically relation between calcium,magnesium,ph,alkaline and iodine?

[wareagle35031]

so dkh is just degrees of carbonate hardiness then

[Fishfingers]

I believe the measurement represents what equal amount of carbonate you would require to get to the hardness level you are measuring with your test. It is only a scale and does not mean that actual carbonate is responsible. Alkalinity represents this better. Similar to candle power being a measurement of light intensity. You aren't actually holding a flashlight containing 1/2 million candles.

[missionsix66]

Originally Posted by wareagle35031

I know that is a dumb question, my carbonate hardiness is at 8 is that the same thing as alkalinity? do I need to raise it to around 10?

I don't think it's a dumb question. Just think about the fact that you could have went out and bought a test kit for each. Sounds like a twenty dollar question.

[reef_guru]

do I need to raise it to around 10?

depends on your relation with Ca
20 Ca : 1 meq/L or 2.8 dKH