Use a GH test alongside KH and source-water information; do not dose minerals from a TDS reading alone.

What GH tells you

GH is a measure related to dissolved calcium and magnesium, minerals that matter to shrimp. It does not identify every ion or trace substance in the aquarium.

Use the kit instructions carefully and note the units. A drop-count test may show a broad range rather than a precise laboratory measurement.

Compare before adjusting

Test both tank and replacement water. If GH is outside your keeper reference, review source water and any remineralizer before adding more minerals.

Do not correct the entire aquarium suddenly. Adjust prepared water gradually and observe the colony, especially around molts.

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For your own tank

Record the test kit, unit, and sample source so future readings can be compared fairly. If you adjust minerals, change the prepared water first and retest it. Never pour concentrated salts onto shrimp or infer GH from a conductivity meter.

Sources and further reading

Use these as general hobby references. Test your aquarium and confirm product guidance before making changes.