Buffering pH

[ryz]

I was wanting to get a pH buffer for my tanks but I read that baking soda can act as a buffer as well. How much do I add to my 3 ft x 2ft x 1.5 ft tank with 2ft x 1.5ft x 1.5 ft sump????? What happens when I overdose?? Shouldn't cause any problems right? No matter how much I add, it will stabilize ph at around 8.1 right??

Have anyone tried this before???

[FuEl]

Used baking soda in freshwater planted tank to raise kH before..Think it's basically sodium bicarbonate. Don't think sodium bicarbonate would suffice...checking out the contents of reef builder there are other components like carbonate,chloride,bicarbonate and sulphate salts of sodium, magnesium, strontium and potassium.

I think adding sodium bicarbonate alone will add to chemical imbalance..

[ryz]

I thought Sodium bicarbonate help to buffer the water??

I do add other supplements like multivitamins, strontium, iodide, and calcium. But I've haven't got a pH buffer. pH's a bit on the low side actually. SO I was thinking if Sodium bicarbonate would do. Read on some articles that some ppl use that as a buffer. Not much info though. Wonder how to use. oh and Fuel, you add chloride to your tank??? OMG hahaha. must be a mistake. I know magnesium is required in the production of chlrophyll but I don't keep macros so I , what else is it for? Suplhate, dunno what for, enlighten me. bicarbonate can be converted into carbonate and combine with calcium to form calcium carbonate(the hard skeleton of hard corals). I was wondering if anyone used baking soda to buffer their pH???? somone pls advise

[woonming]

Used baking soda in freshwater planted tank to raise kH before..Think it's basically sodium bicarbonate. Don't think sodium bicarbonate would suffice...checking out the contents of reef builder there are other components like carbonate,chloride,bicarbonate and sulphate salts of sodium, magnesium, strontium and potassium.

I think adding sodium bicarbonate alone will add to chemical imbalance..

Fuel is right . baking soda would cos ion inbalance. And would not be enough to buffer against a PH drop..

[ryz]

hmmm... SO I should just go with the Seachem ph8.3 Buffer instead? ok..

[LinkinPark]

Hi ryz

Hope this link helps

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=8535&hl=

[FuEl]

chloride ions are forever present in NSW...nothing suprising if it's bound to calcium or magnesium..you can't add calcium or magnesium alone....(disastrous)..that's why salts containing chlorides and other anions are included in reef builder..probably to maintain the same chemical proportions found in NSW...

Adding sodium as the only cation and bicarbonate as the only anion will change the chemical balance in your tank.

It can be used in freshwater as freshwater organisms do not need as much of the other elements compared to marine organisms.

[ryz]

Point taken. so there won't be much of other elements in the water if I add sodium bicarbonate alone. But I do add trace elements anc kalkwasser regularly.

[FuEl]

Don't think many ppl add trace elements. Water changes will take care of them. Kalk would be beneficial...but be sure to check magnesium and maintain it too..

No one told me about it..never have i heard about it..until it was too late..now I'm faced with shrinking mushrooms.