Red Sea Reef Foundation B - Dry vs Liquid?

[Jamie814]

According to BRS investigates, why does the Red Sea Reef Foundation B liquid give a pH boost while the powder has a negative effect on the pH? I could not find an explanation to the difference between these two products.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Why exact difference did they see?

If the solution is made from the same solids, and they both added the same amount of alk at the same rate, the pH effect should be very similar.

if the solution has a high pH and is exposed to air, CO2 will enter and blunt the pH rise.

So pH effects will depend on air exposure of the additives when dissolved prior to dosing.

 

[Jamie814]

Why exact difference did they see?

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/top-14-alkalinity-additives-tested-brstv-investigates

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

They are claiming the liquid is carbonate based and the dry is bicarbonate based. That is certainly consistent with the data they show, but otherwise, I do not know what basis they have for that claim. Assuming they did their experiments correctly, it suggests the liquid and powder are different materials.