kalk and 2 part

[bgraves]

I currently use lime water for my ato and also dose part 1 alk of the ESV B ionic 2 part. I never add the cal part due to the lime water keeping my cal around 450 or so. Should I quit using the lime water to use both A & B part of my 2 part mix?

[Billybeau1]

No. The limewater is good IMO. If you dont use calcium, then just quit the 2-part and use arm & hammer baking soda for your alkalinity. :)

Much cheaper.

[waxy]

Don't you have to "cook" the baking soda first before you use it?

Before it becomes Soda Ash, which is our target result?

[Av8bluewater]

Don't you have to "cook" the baking soda first before you use it?

Before it becomes Soda Ash, which is our target result?
You can use either one. Baking soda will lower PH and Soda ash(which is what I use) will raise PH.

And yes if you bake baking soda it will become sodium carbonate(soda ash).
Some people use a mix to be neutral.

[Billybeau1]

unbaked baking soda "may" temporarily lower alkalinity but not always. Even so the lowering is temporary and usually bounces back pretty quick.

[tmz]

Billy, I think you meant to say unbaked baking soda may temporarily lower ph. It will ,however, increase alkalinity.

[bgraves]

I like to raise my ph some

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Calcium will probably slowly fall unless you do water changes with a mix with high calcium. If and when it does get to your target level or lower, then restart the calcium part of the two part. :)

[Billybeau1]

Billy, I think you meant to say unbaked baking soda may temporarily lower ph. It will ,however, increase alkalinity.

Yes, great catch. Thanks for watching my back. :)

Bgraves, if you would like to raise your pH a bit, then spread some baking soda on a cookie sheet and bake at 325 or 350 for an hour or so. It will then be similar to soda ash.