Raising Alkalinity -- safely

[McGene]

Just measured the alkalinity in my JBJ45 using the Hanna checker. Got a reading (after doing the math) of 7.0
I would like to raise this to 8.0
I used the calculator on BRS and it recommended using Sodium Bicarbonate = 0.9 tsp
Question: Would it be safe to add this all at once? What effect will this have on my pH (now at 7.98)?
Can I use a teaspoon of my wife's Arm & Hammer baking soda?
Thanks!

 

[acesfull44]

following

 

[SPR1968]

Hi the Hanna checker as an error margin of +/-0.04 so you maybe slightly higher or lower than you think, but stability is the key not necessarily the number within reason.

If you want to get to 8 then my advice would be add enough foundation element (alk) to get to 7.5 and then test again the next day and add enough to get to 8 if needed. If I did this in my system I would go straight to 8, but I don’t know your system so I’m on the side of caution here.

A pH of 7.98 is fine so don’t go messing with that or your likely to cause all sorts of issues, it’s fine.

As far as Arm and Hammer baking soda, does it say it’s ‘reef safe’! Lol. I’ll let someone else answer that, but I’m sure it’s ok for cakes! They make toothpaste as well but I’m sure that’s not reef safe!

 

[Rpc07]

Generally you don’t want to raise alk more then 1 dkh per day. That being said I would probably spread it out over 3-4 days and play it safe

 

[McGene]

Thanks for the suggestion and caution. I like going to 7.5 and then 8.0 -- I think that makes more sense.
I did find a reef chemistry calculator online and it allowed me to select how I want to raise my ALK -- it actually has Brightwell Reef Code B in the list -- which I have. So, I will not be using the baking soda from the kitchen