Soda crystals

[Divinityinlove]

I'm searching about the effectiveness of the cleaning properties of Soda crystals aka sodium carbonate aka Na2CO3 (as I've been using them for my laundry as seen online)

I found this paragraph:

"For example, it is used as a pH regulator to maintain stable alkaline conditions necessary for the action of the majority of photographic film developing agents. It is also a common additive in swimming pools and aquarium water to maintain a desired pH and carbonate hardness (KH)."

Here:

Sodium carbonate - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Has anyone ever used soda crystals in this way? It says it is stronger than baking soda.

If it is used as a cleaning agent, surely it would not be good for bacteria in the tank or pond, unless for cleaning it's in high doses and tanks, very low doses. But seems then it would be useless.

 

[Byron]

This is highly dangerous to fish. My water authority adds sodium carbonate to raise the pH to prevent corrosion. It does not affect GH. I don't know if baking soda is safer or not, but it no less advisable. There is only one natural way to increase KH/pH and that is with calcareous substances. There are also special rift lake salts too, but these increase GH/KH/pH together. Fine for rift lake cichlids and other fish needing harder water, but dangerous to soft and very soft water species.

@StevenF has posted on the dangers to fish of sodium carbonate (AKA soda ash) and he can explain better. I've given up my fish due to cancer, but had I not been forced into this, I was seriously considering RO to get around the sodium carbonate dangers.

 

[StevenF]

It is also a common additive in swimming pools and aquarium water to maintain a desired pH and carbonate hardness (KH)."

Generally in industry PH is set to a level for specific reasons that often have nothing to do with keeping something clean. Same for aquariums But in aquariums fish and plants have have competing needs. But many plants do best in water that is slightly acidic because micro nutrients dissolve easier. But that can be bad for snails since it dissolve sniail shells. but some fish prefer a higher PH. T. Overall for Aquarium you want to keep the ph close to 7. Preferably not higher than 8 or preferably not lower but 6. Unless you have a specific reason such as a fish that lives in high PH water in nature. But there are risks.

sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate has been used in aquariums for decades because it dissolves quickly in water and has an immediate effect. However it has become clear in over time that using these compound in an aquarium are potentially dangerous to animals in tanks. Most KH boosters and PH up products use these compounds.

@StevenF has posted on the dangers to fish of sodium carbonate (AKA soda ash) and he can explain better.

Sodium or potassium should never be used to control PH or KH Sodium is not daanerous to fish nor is Potassium at the correct concentration. But they can kill if too much of either is pressent. What is dangerous is a tank with a lot of potassium and no sodium. Or Having a tank with a lot of sodium and no potassium is dangerous. So using these compounds to control PH or KH is not a good idea. Also the amount needed to achieve the desired affect on PH and KH is typically close to dangerous levels and most people have no idea how much sodium or potassium is present in their tap water.

In my tank I don't use PH up or PH down products to maintain a stable PH or KH I use a decorative sea shell (or snail shells or crushed coral) they are composed of calcium carbonate which dissolves in acidic water but not in high PH water. So if the water goes acidic the shell dissolves and neutralizes acids pushing PH up. But once the PH reaches 7 it becomes inert and stops affecting PH. My RO water tank is stable at a PH close to 7. sometimes its little higher and sometimes a little lower but never goes beyond that. It hs worked in my tank for years. The shells need to be replace about once a year. Calcium carbonate and magneisum carbonate does this in nature and animals can handle a very wide range of concentrations of these compounds without any harm.

 

[Divinityinlove]

Generally in industry PH is set to a level for specific reasons that often have nothing to do with keeping something clean. Same for aquariums But in aquariums fish and plants have have competing needs. But many plants do best in water that is slightly acidic because micro nutrients dissolve easier. But that can be bad for snails since it dissolve sniail shells. but some fish prefer a higher PH. T. Overall for Aquarium you want to keep the ph close to 7. Preferably not higher than 8 or preferably not lower but 6. Unless you have a specific reason such as a fish that lives in high PH water in nature. But there are risks.

sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate has been used in aquariums for decades because it dissolves quickly in water and has an immediate effect. However it has become clear in over time that using these compound in an aquarium are potentially dangerous to animals in tanks. Most KH boosters and PH up products use these compounds.


Sodium or potassium should never be used to control PH or KH Sodium is not daanerous to fish nor is Potassium at the correct concentration. But they can kill if too much of either is pressent. What is dangerous is a tank with a lot of potassium and no sodium. Or Having a tank with a lot of sodium and no potassium is dangerous. So using these compounds to control PH or KH is not a good idea. Also the amount needed to achieve the desired affect on PH and KH is typically close to dangerous levels and most people have no idea how much sodium or potassium is present in their tap water.

In my tank I don't use PH up or PH down products to maintain a stable PH or KH I use a decorative sea shell (or snail shells or crushed coral) they are composed of calcium carbonate which dissolves in acidic water but not in high PH water. So if the water goes acidic the shell dissolves and neutralizes acids pushing PH up. But once the PH reaches 7 it becomes inert and stops affecting PH. My RO water tank is stable at a PH close to 7. sometimes its little higher and sometimes a little lower but never goes beyond that. It hs worked in my tank for years. The shells need to be replace about once a year. Calcium carbonate and magneisum carbonate does this in nature and animals can handle a very wide range of concentrations of these compounds without any harm.

Are these sea shells and snail shells you use a specific type? Where might one source them from? Please suggest an online seller or specific things to search for when buying?

Thank you

 

[StevenF]

Are these sea shells and snail shells you use a specific type? Where might one source them from? Please suggest an online seller or specific things to search for when buying?

There is no specidfic type. They are all made primarily from calcium carbonate. Crushed coral is also primarily calcium carbonate.

 

[Divinityinlove]

There is no specidfic type. They are all made primarily from calcium carbonate. Crushed coral is also primarily calcium carbonate.

I'm sure if I search them on google, a bunch of plastic will show up.

 

[StevenF]

I'm sure if I search them on google, a bunch of plastic will show up.

I am referring to natural shells like the ones you find on a beach.

 

[Divinityinlove]

I am referring to natural shells like the ones you find on a beach.

Right, I understand. I was hoping for maybe a brand or shop name online you might have used and recommend?

I don't live by the sea but will have to learn how to sterilize the shells if I ever do!