Alkalinity swings

[Cory]

Ive never dripped baking soda water but have always just added it all at once, usually bumping it up by 1dkh max. But ive wondered is it the rapid ph changes or the sudden increase in concentration of bicarbonate ions that hurts corals. Ive never had a problem dosing like this. What do you think is more harmful? The substance or the change in ph.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Using sodium bicarbonate only, the immediate pH change is very minor and downward. So if there is a problem, it is likely the alk swing.

 

[Cory]

Is it the immediate upward spike in ph thats harmful and not the downward spike?

 

[Anthony Wood]

If your keeping SPS you should really try not to do that and invest into a doser and dose throughout the day, consistency is key. The stress you'll put on SPS will catch up to you eventually. If your not keep SPS you should be fine as long as it disperses fast.