View Single Post
  #4   Report Post  
Old 29-04-2004, 07:06 PM
Jeff Lowe
 
Posts: n/a
Default Baking Soda for Ph Adjustment


"RedForeman ©®" wrote in message
...
In my 29g, it's CO2 injected, starts about 7.0, and I run 15-22ppm
of CO2, the CO2 brings down the pH to 6.0, I add 1 teaspoon of BS
and get it back to
7.0, hardness started out at 2, raises to 4-5 when done.. it's
really the better product to use, IMO...


So you add it straight to the tank?


I add it when doing water changes... I add the BS to the water going back
into the tank, and I add it slowly...

Does it just neutralize the Ph to 7.0 or always raises it. My Ph is at
about 7.4 right now and I would like to get it back to 7.0


It raises your gH(buffer) and your pH comes UP with it, not down...read BS
goes UP, not down. If you're starting with a 7.4 and you want it to be

7.0,
add some driftwood or CO2, and it'll come down...

Unless there is a reason you want the water at 7.0, I wouldn't bugger with
anything special... your fish will adapt, and if you're getting the fish
from a local LFS, you'll be fine with it.. get some soft, acidic water
loving fish, and you'll be in trouble...


Small typo: It raises Kh (Carbonate Hardness ....Germans.....) since it is
sodium bicarbonate, and does not change Gh. Limestone or coral will raise
both. Some folks don't like the idea of adding sodium, but other folks add
salt.... go figure. Use some peat or water softener pillows to drop the Ph
some, or don't worry about it, 7.4 to 7.0 is not much of a change. Just stay
away from the Ph Down products that are phosphoric acid as they are likely
to cause an algae bloom.
Worry less, enjoy more.
Jeff