[MDPinUSA]

Increasingly I have been asked by numerous marine hobbyists about the use of baking soda as a buffer or pH adjuster over the last few months.

There are many ways to set up and maintain a salt water aquarium. Some ways are infinitely easier and vastly more rewarding than others.

One developing trend is on-line DIY information that can bring more headaches than rewards to marine aquarium keeping.

It would appear that some on-line aqua gurus are touting the use of baking soda as a cure-all for alkalinity and pH problems.

With a little surfing, it is evidenced that proponents of baking soda are: a) Testifying this is a cheap alternative to the proper item(s). b) Indicating this is a inexpensive remedy to correct poorly make marine salts. c) Attempting to exhibit some level of quasi scientific qualifications they do not possess. d) Simply arm chair chemists and low end marine aquarium keepers striving to gain superficial recognition as on-line aqua gurus.

This thread is offered in three sections.

Section 1 provides some detailed information regarding baking soda.

Section 2 offers information for the average marine aquarist.

Section 3 cuts to the case about baking soda.

SECTION 1

Baking soda in its pure form is sodium bicarbonate (Na HCO3) without any additives. It is sold in small packages to consumers for a variety of applications. When sold as baking soda, there is usually an additive that allows for the material to be free flowing.

The anti caking or free flowing agent of choice is usually aluminum silicate. Al Si, or other forms of silicates used as free flowing additives or found as impurities in low grade marine salts and ill formulated supplements will most likely produce unwanted algae. Some food grade common salts contain an anti caking or free flowing agent that is not listed on the consumer package. (not necessarily Al Si)

Na HCO3 is produced by more than one manufacturer in more than one grade. High purity Na HCO3 is produced without any additives. Some salts without additives can cake and resemble blocks of concrete. Hence. the addition of a free flowing or anti caking agent is employed with most brands of baking soda that are offered in consumer packages.

We receive 40,000+ pounds of high purity sodium bicarbonate without additives on a regular basis. Caked material is pulverized utilizing high grade stainless steel equipment in an environmentally controlled temperature and humidity enclosure. This technique allows this and other high purity salts (without additives) to be employed as a uniform particle powder for compounding into various scientific and marine aquarium related formulations.

SECTION 2

A 10% solution of sodium bicarbonate has a pH of about 8.05. The pH of marine aquarium salt water solution with continual or large additions of sodium bicarbonate tops out at pH 8.2.

Unremitting or massive amounts of baking soda cannot bring the pH of natural sea water up to or stabilize at the natural pH equilibrium of 8.35-8.5. Likewise additions of baking soda with marine salts (SG 1.024-1.026) used as a sea water substitute for keeping delicate, exotic and costly marine organisms will not reach a pH value over 8.2.

If baking soda is continually added in an attempt to control alkalinity and pH (vs. a true BUFFER), the result will be dramatically increased alkalinity. However the pH will be prevented from reaching the optimal level of 8.4. The ultimate result is unbalanced water parameters and the development of unwanted algae.

Some other carbonates that will increase alkalinity in salt water aquariums are: Mg CO3, Ca CO3, K CO3, Na CO3, Sr CO3, etc. however these and some other carbonates are insoluble and/or will drive pH levels beyond 10.

The use of a scientifically researched, developed, tested and manufactured TRUE BUFFER with KH Generator that utilizes the preferred grades of ingredients, in the proper proportions is simply the smart, best and proper choice.

SECTION 3

If baking soda is expected to adjust alkalinity and pH to approximate NSW or to the parameters found in a suitable marine salt, we are in for a rude awakening. Baking soda (like some other carbonates) will increase alkalinity, but cannot yield the proper pH.

Limitless additions of baking soda will create an unbalanced solution that will be most difficult to adjust to acceptable parameters of: alkalinity and pH.

As undesirable algae is cultivated, ultimately a deprivation of essential dissolved oxygen can be observed. Controlling, reducing or eradicating the unwanted algae resulting is impossible if baking soda is still added.

High alkalinity (dKH or KH) can harm some delicate corals. The alkalinity of NSW is 6-7, depending on which test kit you are using. A KH of 10.5+ has demonstrated to harm some SPS corals.

NSW has a pH of 8.3-8.5. A pH of 8.2 with high alkalinity is not only unnatural, it creates a slew of internet threads ad posts from confused marine aquarium keepers asking: what is wrong, how to change this situation, etc.

In some applications the use of a costly and sometimes difficult manage external support equipment can reduce unwanted algae. However during the time of adjusting such equipment their can be dramatic shifts in pH.

Hobbyists who attempt to save a few pennies on an elaborate system may never see their systems operate at the true potential .... if they use inappropriate DIY nonsense, additives, supplements, marine salts, foods support equipment, as this approach generates more problems than pleasure from our hobby investment.