2006-09-01 19:00:24 · 10 answers · asked by Bill C 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Will my water tests high for alkalinity but everything else tests fine, including the ph
2006-09-01 19:12:31 · update #1
Yes, but dissolve it in a cup of water and add it slowly to avoid problems. It can take a few hours for the stuff to circulate throughout.
A
2006-09-05 10:56:31 · answer #1 · answered by iceni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't use baking soda. Alkalinity is TIED to the pH. pH measures the acidity, while pOH measures the alkalinity, and the scales are only reversed. Baking soda will increase the water hardness, then you have to deal with the water getting hard.
You need a better aquarium test kit that has the chemicals to alter the pH of the water. Use the kit and follow the directions on getting the pH to where you want it. Neutral is 7.0
2006-09-05 00:46:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm rather confused??? Alkalinity refers to the buffering capacity of water due to a concentration of hydrogen carbonate ions. Baking soda will increase your KH. There is a term alkaline which is the same thing as saying "basic", or high pH.
In general a high kH in the case you are describing is good. It means that you pH will tend to remain stable, and your fish will have lots of minerals for bones and what not. It's only an issue if you want soft water fish like discus, and angels. It you don't know about you fish check out liveaquaria. They list the KH range for most fish.
Reducing KH is almost always a bad idea. As it will nearly alwat throw you pH out of wack. The best IMHO is distilled water as it has a KH of near 0. Mix it with your tap. Keep in mind pure distilled water is bad as it lacks minerals, and will easily change pH. Also keep in mind that nothing is so bad it justifies a rapid water chemistry change. Rapid changes kill more often than the conditions you are trying to treat.
2006-09-02 12:09:09 · answer #3 · answered by Sabersquirrel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES, Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) CAN be used depending on what type of fish you have. Baking soda should not be used with species which require low pH (acidic) water conditions.
Baking soda increases carbonate hardness (kH) which raises and buffers pH. I use baking soda all the time in my african cichlid tanks since these particular fish thrive in high kH and high pH conditions.
How much to use depends on the kH and pH of your source water. Try adding 1 tsp per 10gal per day (dissolved in a cup of water) until target kH/pH levels are achieved. (you'll need a test kit).
2006-09-02 10:31:47 · answer #4 · answered by Kay B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the purpose of using the baking soda? We use it to bring an acid-water tank back to neutral on the pH scale. If you need something to help clean the glass on your tank, be wary of using anything that is very abrasive. A utility razor is a great tool to remove the hard water stains that accumulate near the top of the tank. Use the razor carefully and avoid scraping off the clear silicone adhesive that holds the glass together. (We will not worry about your fingers!)
Good luck!
Will D
Enterprise AL
http://www.notagz.com
2006-09-02 02:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by Will D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is good for cleaning but take the fish out first, rinse it thoroughly before you put them back into clean water
2006-09-02 02:06:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldn't use any chemicals. the residue may kill your fish. Even if it doesn't why risk it. just scrub scrub scrub and do 25% water changes.
2006-09-02 02:03:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
only if you plan on eating your fish later.
2006-09-02 02:06:19 · answer #8 · answered by terry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its good for killing your fish !!!!!!!
2006-09-02 02:24:20 · answer #9 · answered by nikgy71 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO
2006-09-02 02:20:07 · answer #10 · answered by AnakSingpore 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋