Baking Soda to raise pH - How much?

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Bgolfer88

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Feb 17, 2010
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This is what I'm doing, I don't want to know about other options (no offense) I just want to know if anyone has a legit idea on dosing. Thanks!
 

Reeyia

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Jul 11, 2009
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1 tsp for each 5 gallond
 

Reeyia

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Jul 11, 2009
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Edit - sorry I meant gallons
 

Reeyia

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I believe the increase is going to depend on the buffering capability of your water (I could be wrong on that particular point), but I would say anywhere from 2-4 tenths up to a full point. Such as 7.2 up to 7.4 or 8.4. A popular rift lake recipe is 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp aquarium salt and 1 tablespoon epsom salt for 5 gallons. You will either have to continue to add with each water change or provide some type of buffer to hold the pH where you need it (coral rock works well and driftwood)
Someone with more experience may want to chime in though if I am off a bit.
 

Ballyhoo

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Jun 27, 2010
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This is what I'm doing, I don't want to know about other options (no offense) I just want to know if anyone has a legit idea on dosing. Thanks!
how low is your pH and why do you want to raise it?
Just curious.


edit: nvm saw your other thread in the illness section.
 
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Bgolfer88

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yeah. for ppl viewing this thread it usually settles around 6.3ish before i add it to aquariums. i added 2 tsp and pH reading was approx 7.4.
 

prober

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Dec 20, 2010
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Be sure to test the GH and KH as you do it. The KH will be most affected by baking soda.

I know you asked not to get responces about other methods so ignore this if you want to but to make your PH buffered at a certain level it would be better to add Seachem alkaline buffer and acid buffer so your buffering capacity would be raised, PH stabilised to prevent sudden swings without making your water too hard.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

P.S. If you have live plants they don't like baking soda so much.
 
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