Baking Soda o.k. to raise pH to 8.5?

[Chuck H.]

Hello,

I'm currently battling a Bryopsis nuisance algae problem. One method to eradicate this algae that I've seen here at RC and also recommended by my LFS is to raise my pH to about 8.5 or 8.6 for a couple of weeks until the algae dies off. Is baking soda o.k. for this purpose? If not, what is better? I generally use C-Balance for my calcium and alkalinity needs and I have the gallon sizes coming from Marine Depot to replenish my supply, hopefully by Friday. My pH now fluctuates from about 7.8 at night to about 8.2 during the day and my alkalinity stays around 3.5 meq/L. My calcium is currently about 380. I will do a complete set of tests prior to starting any pH raising program and I'm also going to try a product called "Stop Hair Algae" by Chem-Marin first. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks for your time,

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

No, raw baking soda will not raise pH at all. It lowers the pH of seawater. C-balance may work, but may require a huge amount and cause significant precipitation of calcium carbonate.

By far the best bet for raising the pH that high is to use limewater/kalkwasser.

I do not know what is in "Stop Hair Algae", but I would be reluctant to recommend it.

 

[psimitry]

In my experience (as I've dealt with my own bit of hair algae), the best way to get rid of it permenantly is to reduce the amount of phosphate and other nutrients in the water that might be stimulating its growth.

Then, I bump up the cleaner crew slightly with species known to target hair algae but willing to accept prepared foods or other natural foods (so they don't starve when the hair algae is gone).

Thirdly, I get on a pair of gloves and actually rip it off the rock. Unlike cyno, it usually comes off in large chunks without tearing.

Once this is done, and done consistantly, coralline will eventually grow over the spot and the problem will be solved.

This is how I dealt with two rocks being nearly entirely covered with hair algae.

 

[PatMayo]

I have to agree with you psimitry.

I think your way of attacking the problem will yield better long term results.

Regards,

Pat

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Bryopsis can be tougher than run of the mill hair algae, but I agree that dropping nutrients, especially phosphate, is often a good way to go.