Raising pH- worth the trouble? also, test kit woes.

1) pH 8.0 - is it even worth bothering to baking soda the tank?

2) Alkalinity test from IO: the instructions read (paraphrased):

"Standard Test-
1. fill vial
2. add drops of reagent one drop at a time until sample turns yellow-green
3. Divide number of drops by 2 to obtain mEq/L"

"Precision Test-
1. fill vial
2. add drops of reagent one drop at a time until sample turns yellow-green
3. Divide number of drops by 4 to obtain mEq/L"
"mEq/L X 50 = ppm CaCo3"

Is it just me, or isn't it rather important to know whether the sample is 400ppm CaCO3 or 200ppm???

 

Hah, well it is my Jesus Year.

Thanks for the link!

 

Pure Baaking soda will lower P.H to a small degree over time once the carbonates are exhausted . The Sodium base containes Trifluoroacetic acid . But if you mix the bicarbonate with Borate at 4 parts B.Soda to 1 part Borate or Boraxo Laundry booster But at 8.00 is fine.. as long as the DKH or Alk or carbonate levels are good . And you have what Kents and Seachem sells for 1000 % mark up This mixuter is what I'vI always used to buffer water . I add 2 parts Boraxo myself to 4 parts Bicarbonate .

If you just want to boost P.H just use Washing Soda Arm and Hammer sells that also. But mix it with F/W first as it will cake up in saltwater a little.

 

Tang is right about not to worry about ph. I've struggling with a low ph(in my mind) but my livestock is fine. If I reach 8.1 any time during the day, its a mircle. 7.7-7.8 is the norm for me before the lights turn on. During the day its usually at 7.9-8.0 and I've tried EVERYTHING. Luna