Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

i am still getting my head round ph buffering but is it calcium that does the work.... if so would a fresh bone with a few scraps still on it do a dual purpose of buffering and giving the redclaw some nibbles?

Beeso, its actually the carbonate or bi-carbonate that does the buffering. sodium Bi-carb (from the supermarket) is often used in aquariums becasue its cheap and works well, but some plants are not very tolerant of sodium which can build up after succecive doses.

Calcium carbonate is my choice as its slow acting, seems to self regulate at about 7.0 to 7.2 and sea shells are a pretty much calcium carbonate, but 'm sure would contain many trace minerals from the ocean.

Steve

The instant ocean sea salt I have used has seemed to buffer my tank to 7.2 or 7.4 1.2 kg's for 1300 litres

thats becasue its high in bi-carbonates.

If you would have mixed it to 37ppt, apart from your fresh water fish dying your ph would have been approx 8.2.

Thats a little bit of worthless info, now wasnt it

rofl go steve!

I agree, Steve converted me to shell and I'm definately a convert, though I'm a lime/shell and wee tad of peat man due to my species i raise.