Accidentally Dosed Citric Acid

[YMRreefer]

Oh boy. Got in a rush and accidentally added 40 mL of citric acid to my 140 gal system instead of Soda Ash. Too similar of DIY containers.....

The concentration of Citric Acid was 3/4 cup powder from BRS to 1 gal RODI.

Preparing for a WC now but I only have enough on hand to do 20 gal at a time (~14%).

Anything I should look for or expect?? Watching pH closely. Its sitting around 8 right now 15 min or so after the dose.

 

[ThePlummer]

I'd probably consider adding a double dose of soda ash, instead of a WC and monitor closely for a while.

 

[GlassMunky]

I would think just keep an eye on your PH and ALK

 

[taricha]

Citric acid is also a carbon dose. Watch for a bacterial bloom, skim lots and aerate plenty.

 

[ahiggins]

I'd probably consider adding a double dose of soda ash, instead of a WC and monitor closely for a while.

This could cause your other elements to precip. Just let it go for now and monitor ph and alk.
Wouldn’t hurt to do calcium too.
I’ll give you the obligatory “solution to pollution is dilution” oh and another one of my favs “it’s like peeing in the ocean”. Depending on how strong the citric acid solution was, you might not even see a change. Less likely if your alk/ph was high to begin with.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, dosing citric acid will not permanently deplete alkalinity.