Soda Ash or Sodium Bicarbonate for KH?

lastlight · #1 01-03-2012, 01:58 AM

Here's where I was getting my info:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...t-instructions

Use Recipe 1 if pH is between 7.8 and 8.3

Use Recipe 2 if pH is above 8.3

So now I'm confused. Says right on there recipe 1 is most common?

Why would I get swings if I'm using a doser and it's being spread out evenly throughout the day?

Reefer Rob · #2 01-03-2012, 02:14 AM

I even dosed 20 times a day, and the PH still went up when the Sodium Carbonate was dosed, then it would slowly normalize due to the CO2 level in the room. Dosing Sodium Bicarbonate did not effect the PH when it was dosed.

lastlight · #3 01-03-2012, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

I even dosed 20 times a day, and the PH still went up when the Sodium Carbonate was dosed, then it would slowly normalize due to the CO2 level in the room. Dosing Sodium Bicarbonate did not effect the PH when it was dosed.

Did you bake yours?

Reefer Rob · #4 01-03-2012, 02:20 AM

No, it was high density soda ash. The baked stuff is likely much more gentle.

paddyob · #5 01-03-2012, 02:21 AM

I thought baking it changed it to something else?

Also, Using a doser may change product for all I know, but I'm an occasional ( twice weekly) doser. Bicarbonate is my choice anyhow. Based on brs video.

lastlight · #6 01-03-2012, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

No, it was high density soda ash. The baked stuff is likely much more gentle.

No I meant your baking soda... don't most people bake theirs?

I actually thought baking the baking soda turned it INTO sodium carbonate (soda ash)?

paddyob · #7 01-03-2012, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

No I meant your baking soda... don't most people bake theirs?

I actually thought baking the baking soda turned it INTO sodium carbonate (soda ash)?

+1. That's what I thought too.

reefermadness · #8 01-03-2012, 02:25 AM

baked baking soda = soda ash = sodium carbonate
plain baking soda = sodium bicarbonate

lastlight · #9 01-03-2012, 02:29 AM

Then by buying the BRS soda ash all I'm doing is saving myself a step (baking it... according to RHF anyways). His instructions also include the baking of the baking soda (which means he's using soda ash).

Reefer Rob · #10 01-03-2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

No I meant your baking soda... don't most people bake theirs?

I actually thought baking the baking soda turned it INTO sodium carbonate (soda ash)?

Yes, that is what it does. I don't think it would be as stong (completely transformed) as high density soda ash, but since I'm way too lazy to bake the baking soda I really don't know.