[Funky_Fish14]

Hey Guys,

Chemially (in terms of writing out the reaction), adding the acid to Kalkwasser is actually removing the alk/carbonate buffering capacity of the water. Adding acid to a base creates (water) and a (salt). Because you are not getting any CO2 in that part of the chemical reaction, no carbonate is formed. If the point of adding Kalkwasser is to increase carbonate/alkalinity, then I think the purpose is defeated by adding the acid. You will however end up with calcium ions in the water as the 'salt' formed will seperate/dissolve (this litterally means the compound dissolves into its separate elements as it is in water, not simply sitting as a 'bunch').

Allowing the Kalkwasser to simply dissolve in water (with CO2 present) will create calcium ions and carbonate ions. This will achieve both purposes at the same time.

Although there are some exceptions, like while in aquarium water, there are always other compounds present, the primary reaction with the acid will not produce carbonate ions.

Im not sure how this pans out in a 'real' setting in the aquarium, but 'mathmatically' (or chemically speaking), I dont think the acid helps to create an alkalinity buffer.

Cheers,

Chris




- I am going to ask my chem lab teacher about this in about half an hour and see what I can get. I've seen an explanation suggesting adding acid 'creates' CO2 in the water, which does not make sense. Adding an acid to water does not make CO2... - Will update.

Chris