I have read it's normal to have Sodium Carbonate become cloudy when dosed. I just wanted to ask if this white cloud is due to the differance in pH or precipated CaCO3. Thanks.
Why's Sodium carbonate so cloudy when dosed?
- Thread starter ahmed.boomer
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It does if your adding it to fast.
OP
OP
It is small drops and there's a tiny cloud of white where it enters. I might just put a smaller amount in the solution to start with. I followed BRS's recommend amount for 2 part.
Randy Holmes-Farley
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The cloud is typically magnesium hydroxide precipitating due to the elevated pH. It will dissolve elsewhere in the tank as it mixes in.
I discuss it here:
What is that Precipitate in My Reef Aquarium? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
I discuss it here:
What is that Precipitate in My Reef Aquarium? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com
This is totally normal
Cloudy but quickly gone is fine but if it looks more like snow flakes then it's being added to fast with not enough flow. I use the BRS 2part also. Using a ml syringe, I slowly add it to the high flow area in my sump. Lil puffs of cloudy from the ALK but gone right away
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OP
OP
Thanks guys. I was a bit worried. I'll just increase my magnesium dosing as well if it's Magnesium hydroxide. Just one question, I know that Mg(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2 both have a limited solubility and the solubility of Ca(OH)2 is more than Mg(OH)2, but both of these would be precipitating to a degree. Should I dose extra magnesium as well as extra calcium or is the calcium negligible?
Randy Holmes-Farley
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No need to increase any magnesium dosing. The magnesium hydroxide is a temporary precipitate that readily redissolves.
Calcium hydroxide is not precipitating under these conditions. It is more soluble than magnesium hydroxide at the same pH by a factor of about 100,000x.
But, if any did form, it too will redissolve in tank water.
Calcium hydroxide is not precipitating under these conditions. It is more soluble than magnesium hydroxide at the same pH by a factor of about 100,000x.
But, if any did form, it too will redissolve in tank water.
