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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