Sodium bicarbonate dosing

[Oregon Grown Reef]

How long does it take for sodium bicarbonate to raise alkalinity? Is it immediate or is there a reaction process that takes time? I'm a science noob, so please be easy on me. I'm adjusting my new saltwater and was wondering how long I have to wait before I can use it.

@Randy Holmes-Farley I'm tagging you so I can hopefully get a quick answer.

 

[arking_mark]

How long does it take for sodium bicarbonate to raise alkalinity? Is it immediate or is there a reaction process that takes time? I'm a science noob, so please be easy on me. I'm adjusting my new saltwater and was wondering how long I have to wait before I can use it.

@Randy Holmes-Farley I'm tagging you so I can hopefully get a quick answer.

Add to a high-flow area. Pretty much immediate.

 

[blasterman]

Instantly.

The online reef calculator is pretty spot on.

And a big kudos for using sodium bicarb and going through the effort of doing it the right way vs wasting money on those rip off, pre bottled two parts

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

Instantly.

The online reef calculator is pretty spot on.

And a big kudos for using sodium bicarb and going through the effort of doing it the right way vs wasting money on those rip off, pre bottled two parts

I've been at this for a few years. Thousands of hours of research. I know what I need to do, but I don't know why always hahaha. I'm a BRS shill, so I gladly pay them for their products. People hate on BRS, but they really do a ton for the hobby.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How long does it take for sodium bicarbonate to raise alkalinity? Is it immediate or is there a reaction process that takes time? I'm a science noob, so please be easy on me. I'm adjusting my new saltwater and was wondering how long I have to wait before I can use it.

@Randy Holmes-Farley I'm tagging you so I can hopefully get a quick answer.

You are raising the alkalinity in new salt water?

Not many folks do that. More want to lower it.

But as folks have noted, the effect is instantaneous.

 

[Oregon Grown Reef]

You are raising the alkalinity in new salt water?

Not many folks do that. More want to lower it.

But as folks have noted, the effect is instantaneous.

The alk was at 7 when I tested it after 24 hours of mixing. I have a misco digital refractometer, so I was sure the salinity was correct. I keep my tanks at 8-8.2.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

The alk was at 7 when I tested it after 24 hours of mixing. I have a misco digital refractometer, so I was sure the salinity was correct. I keep my tanks at 8-8.2.

OK, that seems like a fine plan.