I no longer recommend baking soda. I noticed that my java fern tend to
blacken when using baking soda. Also when I suggested baking soda to other
with java fern, they had the same outcome.

I don't like baking soda, either. I know, theoretically, carbonate is
carbonate...but baking soda seems to stress my fish, while calcium carbonate
does not.



Leigh

http://www.fortunecity.com/lavender/halloween/881/