Alk dropping

[Key Largo]

Hi, I have a 135G mixed reef. Generally, my Alk is around 8.2, pH 8.3, Ca 440+, Mg 1250-1350. Dose vodka, use RowaPhos,1x per month 25G water change with reef crystals. I have been using Kalkwasser exclusively for 8 years for my alk/ca needs (dosed on a constant drip). Mg also on a doser. I recently upgraded my Radions. Growth seems to have been enhanced. Recent testing is showing me that my Alk has been dropping at least .5 per day. To compensate I have been adding liquid baking soda (BRS formula and calculator) on a constant drip. So my question is, can I continue to use the baking soda to mitigate this drop in alkalinity without long term effects? Is there a better additive to use with kalkwasser long term or until alk is stable? I mentioned the lighting change only because I speculate that the enhanced growth is eating my alk. My Calcium has decreased very slightly (450 to 440) so I hesitate to crank up my Kalkwasser because in the past I have blown past 500 Calcium trying to increase Alkalinity in that way. Any suggestions?

 

[KrisReef]

Sounds like you are doing well. I would use Arm & Hammer baking soda instead of a branded for aquarium or pool product. I would bet that Arm & Hammer probably provides the baking soda to BRS to put their name on.

 

[BlueBayouReefHTX]

How big is your tank? I noticed you're only doing 25g water changes. I would say on a tank <75g Kalk will have a negligible effect on pH. You're dosing vodka- again, not sure of your total tank volume but large "boluses" can tank your pH for a period.
That said, i've noticed during periods of high pH (mainly when I change out my scrubber) my alk consumption increases through the next few days. From what I've read, the science supports this relationship. Not sure if this was helpful but these have been my own observations.

 

[BryanM]

Hi, I have a 135G mixed reef. Generally, my Alk is around 8.2, pH 8.3, Ca 440+, Mg 1250-1350. Dose vodka, use RowaPhos,1x per month 25G water change with reef crystals. I have been using Kalkwasser exclusively for 8 years for my alk/ca needs (dosed on a constant drip). Mg also on a doser. I recently upgraded my Radions. Growth seems to have been enhanced. Recent testing is showing me that my Alk has been dropping at least .5 per day. To compensate I have been adding liquid baking soda (BRS formula and calculator) on a constant drip. So my question is, can I continue to use the baking soda to mitigate this drop in alkalinity without long term effects? Is there a better additive to use with kalkwasser long term or until alk is stable? I mentioned the lighting change only because I speculate that the enhanced growth is eating my alk. My Calcium has decreased very slightly (450 to 440) so I hesitate to crank up my Kalkwasser because in the past I have blown past 500 Calcium trying to increase Alkalinity in that way. Any suggestions?

You're on the right track in my mind. Nothing wrong with continuing baking soda.

 

[painter1982]

Sounds like you are doing well. I would use Arm & Hammer baking soda instead of a branded for aquarium or pool product. I would bet that Arm & Hammer probably provides the baking soda to BRS to put their name on.

BRS advertises it being pharma grade not food grade.

 

[KrisReef]

BRS advertises it being pharma grade not food grade.

I doubt anyone could taste the difference?

 

[painter1982]

BRS advertises it being pharma grade not food grade.

I doubt anyone could taste the difference?

Yet there is a difference.

 

[KrisReef]

Yet there is a difference.

Can you please describe what the differences are in the chemical composition, the purity of baking soda, and of course how the coral will react between the two compounds?

 

[painter1982]

Yet there is a difference.

Can you please describe what the differences are in the chemical composition, the purity of baking soda, and of course how the coral will react between the two compounds?

I’m done with this conversation with you. They both work. You win.

 

[KrisReef]

I’m done with this conversation with you. They both work. You win.

I can’t tell the difference either, I am not Randy

 

[twentyleagues]

BRS advertises it being pharma grade not food grade.

Of course they do. Because they sell it for a much higher price than kroger or king super depending on where you are or you could go to wally world where ever.

 

[painter1982]

BRS advertises it being pharma grade not food grade.

Of course they do. Because they sell it for a much higher price than kroger or king super depending on where you are or you could go to wally world where ever.

Never knew they sold pharma grade at Walmart

 

[twentyleagues]

Never knew they sold pharma grade at Walmart

They may in the pharmacy but its not needed to be pharma grade food grade is more than fine.

 

[painter1982]

Never knew they sold pharma grade at Walmart

They may in the pharmacy but its not needed to be pharma grade food grade is more than fine.

Pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade sodium bicarbonate differ primarily in their purity, manufacturing standards, and intended use:
• Purity and Quality Standards:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Meets stringent standards set by pharmacopoeias (e.g., USP, EP, or BP). It has higher purity, typically 99.5% or greater, with minimal impurities like heavy metals, endotoxins, or microbial contaminants. It undergoes rigorous testing to ensure safety for medical use.
• Food Grade: Meets food safety standards (e.g., FCC or FDA regulations). It is less pure than pharmaceutical grade, typically around 99%, and may contain slightly higher levels of impurities that are safe for consumption but not for medical applications.
• Manufacturing Process:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Produced in facilities adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with strict controls to avoid contamination. The process ensures consistency and traceability for medical applications.
• Food Grade: Produced in facilities meeting food safety standards, which are less stringent than GMP. The focus is on safety for consumption, not medical precision.
• Intended Use:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Used in medications, antacids, dialysis solutions, or other medical treatments where high purity and safety are critical.
• Food Grade: Used in cooking, baking (as baking soda), food processing, or as an additive (e.g., leavening agent). It’s safe for human consumption but not suitable for medical applications.
• Cost:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: More expensive due to higher purity and stricter production standards.
• Food Grade: Less costly, as it requires less rigorous processing and testing.
• Packaging and Labeling:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Labeled with detailed specifications, batch numbers, and certifications for medical use.
• Food Grade: Labeled for food use, often with simpler packaging and fewer regulatory details.
In summary, pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate is purer and produced under stricter standards for medical use, while food-grade is suitable for culinary purposes with slightly less stringent requirements. Always use the appropriate grade for the intended application to ensure safety and efficacy.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don’t think there is any significant difference between food and pharma grades for use in a reef tank. Mist specs we care about, such as heavy metals, are identical.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade sodium bicarbonate differ primarily in their purity, manufacturing standards, and intended use:
• Purity and Quality Standards:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Meets stringent standards set by pharmacopoeias (e.g., USP, EP, or BP). It has higher purity, typically 99.5% or greater, with minimal impurities like heavy metals, endotoxins, or microbial contaminants. It undergoes rigorous testing to ensure safety for medical use.
• Food Grade: Meets food safety standards (e.g., FCC or FDA regulations). It is less pure than pharmaceutical grade, typically around 99%, and may contain slightly higher levels of impurities that are safe for consumption but not for medical applications.
• Manufacturing Process:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Produced in facilities adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with strict controls to avoid contamination. The process ensures consistency and traceability for medical applications.
• Food Grade: Produced in facilities meeting food safety standards, which are less stringent than GMP. The focus is on safety for consumption, not medical precision.
• Intended Use:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Used in medications, antacids, dialysis solutions, or other medical treatments where high purity and safety are critical.
• Food Grade: Used in cooking, baking (as baking soda), food processing, or as an additive (e.g., leavening agent). It’s safe for human consumption but not suitable for medical applications.
• Cost:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: More expensive due to higher purity and stricter production standards.
• Food Grade: Less costly, as it requires less rigorous processing and testing.
• Packaging and Labeling:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Labeled with detailed specifications, batch numbers, and certifications for medical use.
• Food Grade: Labeled for food use, often with simpler packaging and fewer regulatory details.
In summary, pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate is purer and produced under stricter standards for medical use, while food-grade is suitable for culinary purposes with slightly less stringent requirements. Always use the appropriate grade for the intended application to ensure safety and efficacy.

That is a misleading AI copy and paste. Reef2Reef tries to discourage pure AI answers, preferring reefer to reefer discussions.

There is no important difference for reefers.

 

[Staghorn]

I’ve never used their stuff, but I thought BRS sold sodium carbonate not bicarbonate? I should probably look it up. Lol

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’ve never used their stuff, but I thought BRS sold sodium carbonate not bicarbonate? I should probably look it up. Lol

They sell both.

 

[painter1982]

Pharmaceutical-grade and food-grade sodium bicarbonate differ primarily in their purity, manufacturing standards, and intended use:
• Purity and Quality Standards:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Meets stringent standards set by pharmacopoeias (e.g., USP, EP, or BP). It has higher purity, typically 99.5% or greater, with minimal impurities like heavy metals, endotoxins, or microbial contaminants. It undergoes rigorous testing to ensure safety for medical use.
• Food Grade: Meets food safety standards (e.g., FCC or FDA regulations). It is less pure than pharmaceutical grade, typically around 99%, and may contain slightly higher levels of impurities that are safe for consumption but not for medical applications.
• Manufacturing Process:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Produced in facilities adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with strict controls to avoid contamination. The process ensures consistency and traceability for medical applications.
• Food Grade: Produced in facilities meeting food safety standards, which are less stringent than GMP. The focus is on safety for consumption, not medical precision.
• Intended Use:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Used in medications, antacids, dialysis solutions, or other medical treatments where high purity and safety are critical.
• Food Grade: Used in cooking, baking (as baking soda), food processing, or as an additive (e.g., leavening agent). It’s safe for human consumption but not suitable for medical applications.
• Cost:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: More expensive due to higher purity and stricter production standards.
• Food Grade: Less costly, as it requires less rigorous processing and testing.
• Packaging and Labeling:
• Pharmaceutical Grade: Labeled with detailed specifications, batch numbers, and certifications for medical use.
• Food Grade: Labeled for food use, often with simpler packaging and fewer regulatory details.
In summary, pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate is purer and produced under stricter standards for medical use, while food-grade is suitable for culinary purposes with slightly less stringent requirements. Always use the appropriate grade for the intended application to ensure safety and efficacy.

That is a misleading AI copy and paste. Reef2Reef tries to discourage pure AI answers, preferring reefer to reefer discussions.

There is no important difference for reefers.

As I previously said, they both work. I already told the guy he won the debate. I had no time to discuss the difference any further and felt attacked by the non stop bickering about it. I asked Grok for the difference and that’s what I posted because I was done discussing it.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

As I previously said, they both work. I already told the guy he won the debate. I had no time to discuss the difference any further and felt attacked by the non stop bickering about it. I asked Grok for the difference and that’s what I posted because I was done discussing it.

You posted no actual difference in any specification. Ask grok to compare them for you one by one, and then tell us which one you feel makes pharma grade better. I did this myself. I suggest you try it next time.