bicarb has a valence of -1 in that ionic form, whereas carbonates have a
valence of -2. To get to the valence -2, it has to give off the H+ ion,
thereby acidifying the water, and making the carbonates available for
reacting with the calcium and magnesium, both valence +2.
--
RichToyBox
http://www.geocities.com/richtoybox/pondintro.html
wrote in message
...
bicarbonate HCO3- is unlikely to give up H+ ions... it is already in an
ionized
state. yes, it can combine with calcium or magnesium, but does that lower
the pH?

WE NEED (Rod Farlee)!!!!!!!
Ingrid

"RichToyBox" wrote:

The nature of baking soda is that it will give up H+ ions making more
acids,
but only if the pH is above the buffer point. When it does this, it
leaves
behind carbonate ions, which could precipitate as calcium carbonate,
(limestone), of calcium magnesium carbonate, (dolomite), if there is
enough
carbonate and it is not being pushed back to bicarbonate.
You didn't say it, but I assume you are checking fish ponds with the same
test kit and not getting the same high readings, and that the pH test kit
is
good.
You may be at some saturation point and major water changes could help
bring
the pH down, though with your additions of acid and the temporary
decrease,
I doubt it.
As for the maximum level, I saw somewhere, I think, a value of 300ppm.



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