using pool alk booster??

[naso30]

Basically I have a lot of trouble keeping my ph and alk up due to many reasons (mainly not enough time to invest). Anyway I have been using "aquarium systems" seabuffer along with salifert Ca when I notice it is low (all the time). I saw at Target they sell alk booster's along with ph boosters for use in swimming pools. I noticed the alk booster lists the same basic ingrediant as the seabuffer "sodium bicarbonate". Since this stuff is a lot cheaper then seabuffer I thought about using it, but I am worried it may have other chemicals that would damage my reef. What do you think? Have you heard anyone try this stuff. If it is the same stuff and it is a lot cheaper that would be great. Maybe it's too good to be true. Any help in this matter would be appreciated. I know in the near future I plan on going to Kalk drip but that is going to be difficult to setup due to my tank's location and design. Thanks in advance, Scott

 

[Lutefisk]

I noticed the alk booster lists the same basic ingrediant as the seabuffer "sodium bicarbonate"

Sodium Bicarbonate is Baking Soda

Want to use something that is cheap and safe?

Use either baking soda or washing soda.

Some people use a 6-to-1 mixture of baking soda to washing soda to have a smaller pH impact.

I'd pass on the pool products when I can use food products.

Paul

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Perfect advice, Paul. Thanks.

 

[naso30]

Thinks for the advice. One more question-what is washing soda and where can I get it? Also how much would I use for 155gallons? Same as for seabuffer I assume.

 

[Lutefisk]

There is one grocery store nearby where I can buy Arm & Hammer Washing Soda. (Others say they will order products they don't ordinarily stock)

Be sure you don't use a washing soda with fragrances or other additives (Read the box)

How much should you use?

Here is a good calculator: It will tell you how much to add.

Calculator

Go slowly, add slowly, test frequently, until you get a handle on it.

Paul

 

[naso30]

thanks for the help.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

This article guides you through solving alkalinity problems with baking and washing soda:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

This article guides you through solving pH problems:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/june2002/chem.htm

 

[Obi-dad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=1289979#post1289979 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Lutefisk
There is one grocery store nearby where I can buy Arm & Hammer Washing Soda. (Others say they will order products they don't ordinarily stock)

Be sure you don't use a washing soda with fragrances or other additives (Read the box)

How much should you use?

Here is a good calculator: It will tell you how much to add.

Calculator

Go slowly, add slowly, test frequently, until you get a handle on it.

Paul

Randy - do you know if Arm & Hammer Washing Soda is pure enough to use for dosing? (baking the baking soda annoys my wife and breathing any in while trying to get it from baking pan to a container is a real drag)

 

[Boomer]

Yes, that is fin, you want Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

 

[jdieck]

and here is an updated version of the calculator linked above:

http://jdieck1.home.comcast.net/chem_calc3.html