using baked baking soda to raise pH...

[SexiShrimp]

Hey all,
I am having trouble keeping my pH at 8.3...usually it's at 8.0. I heard of using baked baking soda to increase my pH. How much should I use for my 55 gallon tank...and when should I add it? I already baking some at 250 for about an hour on a cookie sheet. I just want to know how much to put in and how slowly.

Thanks!!!
:)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You can use high pH alkalinity supplements, like baked baking soda, to raise pH, but only when the aquarium needs dosing from an alkalinity perspective. Otherwise, the alkalinity quickly gets too high.

Better than baked baking soda is limewater, as it has a higher ability to raise pH, and also adds a balanced amount of calcium so you need never worry about elevating alkalinity.

This article may help:

Solutions to pH Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/june2002/chem.htm

[SexiShrimp]

Thanks for helping me out! I just checked my alkalinity and it is very high....300mg/L according to my hagen test kit.

what is the best thing for me to do? I have never dripped kalk and don't know where to begin! thanks for your help!

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd solve the calcium and alkalinuty problems first, then worry about pH.

This article describes how to solve them by adding only calcium chloride until the alkalinity comes down:

Solving Calcium and Alkalinity Problems
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

:

[SexiShrimp]

Thanks a lot for your help! Really appreciate it!!:):)

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck. :)