Impact of Ammonium Carbonate on dKH?

[habetm14]

Hi Randy,

Thanks for all you do! I had a quick question. If I understand your prior posts on ammonia dosing correctly, ammonium bicarbonate has no direct impact on dKH (product is CO2 and H2O). I couldn’t find a clear answer on this- is there any reason ammonium carbonate would be different?

Just as background facts: I started dosing a stock solution of ammonium carbonate (5-10 mL/day) a month ago to combat low/zero nitrates in a relatively new, relatively low demand 50 gallon system. I’ve been dosing ESV two part as needed. I’ve maintained my alkalinity at ~8.5; however, recent calcium tests have shown a gradual drop from 420 to ~395 over this month period. Could the ammonium carbonate be a culprit (in that it provides alkalinity, throwing my dosing out of whack), or should I focus on the other reasons such a gradual imbalance could occur? Thank you!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Neither ammonium carbonate nor ammonium bicarbonate impact alkalinity at all. I recommend the bicarbonate since it will be more stable and smell less. Both are just a mixture of ammonia and CO2.

 

[habetm14]

Neither ammonium carbonate nor ammonium bicarbonate impact alkalinity at all. I recommend the bicarbonate since it will be more stable and smell less. Both are just a mixture of ammonia and CO2.

Thank you Randy! I couldn’t see why it would, but wanted to confirm.