Baking soda as a buffer???

I have not read this whole thread, so excuse me if am repeating info. I have been using baking soda with borax at a ratio of 4 to 1(BS-4 B-1) for almost a yr and I really cant see a negative effect. I have noticed that my ph/Alk stays where I want it longer than a off the shelf product.


Luna

 

Hi, troy

with BAKING SODA the pH tends to have a VERY SMALL DROP.

with BAKED BAKING SODA the pH tends to have a VERY HIGH AND FAST RISE.


So, you have to be very carefull with tha BAKED BAKING SODA.




Hug

 

thanks luna, i think ill start using the baking soda/borax method, seeing that you havent had any problems with it....by the way. where would i get borax from?

 

Need to make sure that you get the "right" BS. You CANT just use the regular BS that you put in the fridge.

This is the BS......


and this is the Borax.....


Make sure that you mix it 4(BS) to 1(Borax) and start small. I would start like 4 tsp of BS and 1 tsp of B. Both products can be found at your local supermarket in the detergent aisle.



Luna

 

This is the first time I've heard this. What's wrong with regular baking soda?

 

lol... yeah, I've been using regular and not even baking it. I didn't know there was a "special" kind. I am now going to put that box on the front lawn to kill some blue grass!

 

Yeah... glad I read this. I think I'm going to go with some bulk reef supply stuff next time.
Here's a good video on the subject:
High Purity Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) Bulk Reef Supply

 

There is a difference, I just dont remember what it was. Luna

 

Thanks alot for the info Luna, i think ill try this.....ill let you know how it goes

 

Troy, the 4:1 ratio is what I use too, and it's what Tangster has recommended time and time again - see Grotto's comments on page 1 of this old Dr Howell thread:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/water-chemistry/why-not-use-borax-baking-soda-49811.html
Just searching works great - you can read in that thread how we broke it all down to the Material Safety Data Sheets for the commercial buffers, and the main active ingredients are typically the same as in baking soda and borax - just don't get confused about the B.S. with the stunt they pulled lying that they had some Chemistry PHD tell them the baking soda and borax was harmful - as that is what is in the expensive commercial buffers anyway.