Baking Soda

[truck0000]

I need to know how much to put in my 55 gal. The PH is 7.6 right now i need to get it up.

[VeeDub]

Can't really help with how much to use since I've never added baking soda.
Just be careful and don't bring the PH up too quickly.

[::pete::]

Try this Calculator (http://home.comcast.net/~jdieck1/chem_calc3.html)

[truck0000]

It said 2 table spoons.
Thanks pete

[GaryP]

Baking soda will raise alkalinity but not pH. Washing soda will raise pH and alkalinity.

I would suggest a mixture of baking and washing soda.

[truck0000]

Whats washing soda?

[::pete::]

Washing soda is Sodium Carbonate. Baking soda on the other hand is Sodium Bicarbonate.


". . . washing soda will consume two equivalents of acid, while baking soda will only consume one equivalent."

[GaryP]

Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda.

I get mine at HEB on the clothes washing aisle. Not all HEB carry it apparently. Mine does - at Wurzbach & I-10.

Warning: You don't want to just dump spoonfuls of this stuff into your tank. You want to dissolve it in RO or distilled water and drip the solution in at about one drop per second. You can buy the mixture commercially - its called Kent Super Dkh. Seachem has a similar dry product.

[matt]

You might want to determine why your ph is low; that could be a bigger issue than the ph itself. Check your alkalinity and calcium, and make sure you have good air/water exchange and no problem with nitrogen compunds/ dissolved organics.

[truck0000]

I am having a problem with the tank right now. The amonia has been high. I think my tank is cycling again. Could this be the problem with the PH and if it is when do I address the PH issue?

[matt]

I am having a problem with the tank right now. The amonia has been high. I think my tank is cycling again. Could this be the problem with the PH and if it is when do I address the PH issue?

Yes...wait for the cycle to finish, change some water, maybe get a skimmer (a good one!!) going if you don't already have that, then check your alk/Ca levels. Once that's okay, probably your ph will be too.

Ammonia in the tank is way more serious than ph 7.6, but I'm sure you realize that.

[GaryP]

If the ammonia is high, then that probably means you have excess organic nutrients in the tank. This becomes bacteria food. These bacteria in turn produce acids that push the pH down.

So to make a long story short: skim, filter, and siphon to get your organic load down. Also, make sure you are not over feeding.