Baked baking soda to get soda ash?

[vick]

I was going to buy Seachem reef buffer to raise my ph. Could I just bake some baking soda to get soda ash, and use that instead? If so, how much would I dose?

 

[d0ughb0y]

You can buy soda ash from pool supply store. I have used that for over a year now.

 

[vick]

You can buy soda ash from pool supply store. I have used that for over a year now.

That's a good idea. I assume it's pure enough if you haven't had any problems after a year.

 

[geaux xman]

making it easier on yourself and buy some washing soda.

 

[James404]

Washing soda usually has Phosphates added to it, bad idea to use it. It's easy enough to bake your own according to Randy's Recipe:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[vick]

Washing soda usually has Phosphates added to it, bad idea to use it. It's easy enough to bake your own according to Randy's Recipe:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

Would I use this soda ash the same way I would dose the Seachem Reef Buffer?

 

[HighlandReefer]

The SeaChem Reef Buffer from their description is likely a mixture of baking soada and baked baking soda (soda ash), so the dosing may not be the exact same. I would use the Chemistry Calculator to determine how much to use and select the baked baking soda (soda ash) as your alk supplement.

Reef chemicals calculator
http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chemcalc.html


FWIW, you can buy pharmaceutical grade soda ash from www.bulkreefsupply.com or you can bake regular baking soda with no scents added at around 450 F for one hour in less than 1" layer on a cookie pan. You can't over-bake baking soda, but you can under-bake it.

Randy provides more details in this article:

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

 

[d0ughb0y]

That's a good idea. I assume it's pure enough if you haven't had any problems after a year.

no problems, that is from actual experience, and not just from reading somewhere.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1876551
post #13

I am still using those and probably will last me close to another year.

For magnesium, I found someone selling magflakes on ebay for pretty much what it costs plus shipping. epsom salt part is available at walmart for cheap.

that would be pretty much what you will need for a reef tank, plus your regular water change.

 

[vick]

If I bake the baking soda, is it just as good as the bulk reef supply soda ash? Are there any impurities I'd need to worry about in the baking soda?

 

[geaux xman]

3.7 lb Box

ARM & HAMMER® Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster. For more than 155 years, people have chosen all natural, versatile, effective, environmentally safe and economical ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for baking and countless household cleaning & personal care uses. Now Introducing... ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster. Super Washing Soda works as an all natural detergent booster for cleaning your laundry and can also be used throughout your home as a household cleaner.

Description
All natural. Improves liquid laundry detergent performance up to 40%. Pure and natural since 1874. 100% Fragrance and phosphate free.

*not that i'm suggesting the use of the product.

 

[bertoni]

I used Arm&Hammer for a long time without issues, but baking your own likely is safer.

 

[vick]

I used Arm&Hammer for a long time without issues, but baking your own likely is safer.

Do you bake it first?

 

[HighlandReefer]

If you want a boost in tank pH you would want to bake the baking soda first. You will want to drip the baked baking soda over longer periods of time to achieve an increase in tank pH . If your tank pH is fine, then you can dose regular baking soda.

 

[tmz]

There is about 20ppm of carbonate(baked aka soda ash less sodium)) and 110 ppm bicarbonate ( unbaked baking soda less sodium) in seawater. They change back and forth in a 3 party dance involving CO2 which effects ph and alkalinity. .Carbonate adds twice as much alkalinity as bicarbonate.

 

[bertoni]

Do you bake it first?

I should have been more clear. I used the washing soda for years (and baking soda, too). I baked the baking soda for the first batch of DIY, then switched to recipe 2 since my tanks' pH levels were all okay without the boost.