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I have recently switched to RO water for water change, given that my tap water is quite hard and have been interested in plants that like softer water and in general the consensus seems to be that plants thrive better with lower KH (atleast most of them).

But it was to my surprise that there was slow rise in KH even with RO water in my tank. No hardscape that can leach like Seiryu stones and other additives. I use APT sky for raising GH a little bit. But would have the KH down to about 4-5 with 50% water change but will slowly creep up to 8-9 prior to the next water change. I use all Seachem Matrix in my Oase filter so not adding anything from the filter either.

As i started reading about it, found multiple reports that Eco-complete raises GH/KH. Many of the websites that it is sold in notes that it is rich in minerals and buffers pH so i guess one should expect it to raise KH but overall seems to be against what most planted aquarists would recommend for a planted tank. It is also often included as an inert substrate which based on my experience it is not. It was also the recommended substrate for planted tanks in Ny times wirecutter who I typically trust to give not the best but also not the worst recommendations. SHould have probably researched more before i got it.

Hopefully others can share their experience so that it is not my only experience.

TLDR: Eco-complete caribsea raised my tank's KH, might not be inert.