Cook baking soda to make Washing Soda

[adw]

Is it true you can cook baking soda to make washing soda?

[buzzee]

Yes, it creates a another type of buiffer for reef tanks that can push PH up to higher levels, (Around 9).

Unbaked Baking Soda only peaks at around 8.4.

There is no point in baking it. It could only cause problems.

If the PH is low you should be adding Baking Soda to raise the KH which will automatically put the PH in about the right place.

[LobsterOfJustice]

If you need to raise your pH and alk, use washing soda. It is true that by baking baking soda you can get washing soda.

If you want to raise alk only, use baking soda.

[impur]

Baking it drives off the CO2. Baking soda will slightly depress pH, washer soda will slightly increase it. Both raise alk as stated.

[adw]

Thanks. I have low alk and PH with high calcium so I want to bring up the ph and the alk slowly with the washing soda and if my Ph gets a little high use the baking soda to get the rest of my alk.

[buzzee]

Get your Alk up to about 8-10 KH with UNBAKED baking soda first and the Ph will automatically adjust to the correct level.

If not THEN add the washing soda if needed. (But I guarantee you wont need it).

[Paintbug]

you need to use baking soda, baked @ 300ºF for one hour. like impur this drives off water and CO2 which will lower the pH just a little. check with Randy he will tell you the same!!