hard water what is Alkalinity?

[Isuba]

:) hi, I am new to the forum. I have a freash water tank I resently lost 2 tinfoilbarbs that I had for three yrs. I have changed over 50% of my water and now Interested in PH and Hardwater. My Readings On my test stripes from Jungle Labs. NO3 200 ppm, NO2 .5 ppm, Hardness 300 ppm and Alkalinity 300ppm.
This is what promt me to turn to the internet and ask for help from you guys. Also the tank size is 29 gallons and I have had different fish over 12 years.

Can you guys help me? :D

[lloyd berg]

alkalinity is the buffering capacity of your water to absorb and neutralize acids and maintain a stable ph. fish like a stable ph. so a high number is good.
your nitrates are way too high and signal a need to reassess your maintenance regiment. you should be doing water changes of 20-30% when your 'trates hit the 30ppm mark. when they get higher they create a lack of oxygen which causes small spikes of ammonia and nitrites as the bio die off. and fish can die too. :(

[Isuba]

:) How often should I change it out?
Its been about two weeks since the first time.
I have been reading about GH and KH and PH.
I have been using tap water for the change? not sure how to test the PH is that a seperate stripe?
Should I make the water softer?
Could I add plants now should they have a certain Ph first? :D

[lloyd berg]

you need to find your tank's own requirements for water change schedules. it all depends on the types of fish you keep, their size, and their metabolic rate. (eg. plecos have quite fast metabolism, they can grow quickly, and they eat 24/7.so...they create large amounts of waste and require frequent water changes to maintain good water quality. gold fish qualify into the same category.
if you find by the results of your nitrate tests, that water changes are demanding beyond your preferences, then make changes/reduce the population of the tank.
as for gh, kh, and ph....keep reading. as you learn more about water you will eventually understand if these parameters should really mean anything to the fish you keep.
and as for plants...simply put? test you ph. if it is less than 8 try some plants. if it is over 8...pass on it. you need good lighting for plants too. don't forget about that$$$
(just my opinions. take it leave it. hope it helps :) )

[Isuba]

Thank you Lloyd,
Iam trying to see about PH, KH,GH.
Iam going to get books on Plants and Freashwater Fish.
Thanks again.