Baking Sodium Bicarbonate

[jwill275]

How long do you need to bake sodium bicarbonate to get sodium carbonate? At what temp? I have two trays about 1/2" deep in oven at 250.


Thanks

John

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If the whole batch gets to 100 deg C (212 deg F) that is adequate.

We usually recommend something like 350-400 deg F for an hour, but like a turkey, the larger it is the longer it takes to get to temp inside.

 

[jwill275]

Thank you Randy!!

 

[disc1]

The reaction happens at temps below 100C, but it is much faster and more efficient conversion if you get above 180C.

You cannot possibly get it too hot or cook it too long. So don't be afraid to crank the heat up on it.

 

[Mrs. Music]

Now why would we want to do this? I am almost too afraid to ask.

 

[bertoni]

The heating process converts the sodium bicarbonate into sodium carbonate (washing soda), which is a high-pH alkalinity supplement. Many tanks run a bit low in pH, so the pH boost can be useful.