Soda Ash vs Sodium Bicarbonate?

[dvybiral]

Hello,
Which one would be best to use in the saltwater for water changes to raise the alkalinity.

 

[brmreefer]

Personally I use soda ash to help bump up PH a tiny bit. If the system has a problem with "higher than usual" PH then sodium bicarbonate would be the better choice.

 

[dvybiral]

The soda ash i have is the Pharma pouch powder by BRS, do i just add the powder to my mixing bin or do i need to mix it in RODI water and then add.

 

[brmreefer]

I use it as part of my 2 part dosing. When mixing the soda ash for my alk part of the 2 parts I mix it with RODI then drip dose throughout the day.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hello,
Which one would be best to use in the saltwater for water changes to raise the alkalinity.

How high are you trying to make it? This step is usually not needed. Do not try to push it higher than the tank level of alk.

 

[dvybiral]

My tank runs at 9 dkh , I am just raising the dkh of the saltwater that I use for water changes. I use Tropic Marin Pro salt which when mixed is at around 7 dkh. So just making adjustments before my water changes, and wanted advice of which one would best to use for adjustments, sodium bicarbonate or soda ash.
Thank you for your response Randy