Baking soda question for ALk

[kdblove_99]

I know i saw in a previous thread that Winco has Baking Soda in the bulk section.

My question is, is that stuff ok to use to raise alk or is there a certain kind?

 

[shiveley]

should be fine, listed below is the "Alkalinity" section of the Two-Part Solution Recipte:

Recipe #1, Part 2: The Alkalinity Part
Spread baking soda (594 grams or about 2 ¼ cups) on a baking tray and heat in an ordinary oven at 300°F for one hour to drive off water and carbon dioxide. Overheating is not a problem, either with higher temperatures or longer times. Dissolve the residual solid in enough water to make 1 gallon total. This dissolution may require a fair amount of mixing. Warming it speeds dissolution. This solution will contain about 1,900 meq/L of alkalinity (5,300 dKH). I prefer to use baked baking soda rather than washing soda in this recipe as baking soda from a grocery store is always food grade, while washing soda may not have the same purity requirements. Arm & Hammer brand is a fine choice.

Be sure to NOT use baking powder. Baking powder is a different material that often has phosphate as a main ingredient.

 

[kdblove_99]

Sweet

 

[Reefugee]

Use baked baking soda if you want to raise your pH. Use unbaked baking soda if you want to lower your pH.

 

[matttaylor]

^how is that? I've used unbaked baking soda (still do) and tested ph before and after and have never seen the ph drop it always goes up.

 

[Reefugee]

Matt -

I should clarify. You should not use baking soda as a method of controlling your pH. However, if you add just plain old baking soda, the tank pH will have an initial slight drop. In the long run though - the pH will rise.

If you add baked baking soda - the immediate effect will be a slight increase in your pH.

If you look at Randy's 2 part solution, he has two different recipe. Recipe one is used in aquarium with normal or lower pH and uses baked baking soda. Reciped 2 uses regular baking soda.

Recipe #1 is for use in reef aquaria whose pH is normal to low. In practice, more reef aquarists end up choosing this recipe than Recipe #2. It will tend to raise pH due to its alkalinity part's elevated pH, as do most of the commercial two-part additives. The increase in pH depends on the aquarium's alkalinity and, of course, on how much is added. Adding on the order of 0.5 meq/L of alkalinity increases the pH by about 0.3 pH units immediately upon its addition (and even higher, locally, before it has a chance to mix throughout the aquarium).

If you are using limewater (kalkwasser) and the aquarium is at pH 8.4 or above, this recipe is not the best choice. Otherwise, it is likely to be a good option. It is twice as concentrated as Recipe #2, because the baking process makes the baking soda more soluble.

Recipe #2 is for use in reef aquaria whose pH is on the high side (above 8.3 or so). It will have a very small pH lowering effect when initially added. The pH drop achieved will depend on the aquarium's alkalinity and, of course, on how much is added. Adding on the order of 0.5 meq/L of alkalinity drops the pH by about 0.04 pH units immediately upon its addition.

 

[Justin74]

I cant even remember the last time I used any buff or baking soda, at the very least 6-9 months.

-Justin

 

[funman1]

What do you use to raise alk?
I have to dose this daily?

 

[Justin74]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10052641#post10052641 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funman1
What do you use to raise alk?
I have to dose this daily?

Not so much to raise, but moreso just never let it get to low, I dose the kalk at night after the lights go off.

-Justin

 

[kdblove_99]

I cant believe how well this works and is dirt cheap!

I need the calcium stuff bad.

 

[funman1]

Hoh it works AWESOME.
Are you in on the GB?

 

[kdblove_99]

i meant the baking soda. I tested my alk today and it reads 11 on salifert kit.

I havent got the calcium stuff was just stating i really need it