lduncan
Member
Hi Randy, a quick question on the carbonate system.
Basically the question is, does alkalinity in our tanks buffer changes in pH from changing partial pressures of CO2?
For example: tank 1 runs an alkalinity of 8dkH. tank 2 runs at an alkalinity of 12dkH.
If the the partial pressure is changed by the same amount around both tanks, then will the change in pH in tank 2 be less than that in tank 1?
My gut feeling is that both tanks see a drop in pH of the same value. IE the change in pH is irrespective of the alkalinity (unless alkalinity is REALLY low). Is this correct? I understand that the pH value itself may be different. But the change in pH should be the same in both tanks shouldn't it?
(Of course this would be different for mineral acid addition etc)
Basically the question is, does alkalinity in our tanks buffer changes in pH from changing partial pressures of CO2?
For example: tank 1 runs an alkalinity of 8dkH. tank 2 runs at an alkalinity of 12dkH.
If the the partial pressure is changed by the same amount around both tanks, then will the change in pH in tank 2 be less than that in tank 1?
My gut feeling is that both tanks see a drop in pH of the same value. IE the change in pH is irrespective of the alkalinity (unless alkalinity is REALLY low). Is this correct? I understand that the pH value itself may be different. But the change in pH should be the same in both tanks shouldn't it?
(Of course this would be different for mineral acid addition etc)