Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I've already had him over to fix my ducting

hows that thermal fuse coming along?

Hey I only blew a fuse that once!

seriously though? Jaycar have just opened 500m from my font door (yay!) pity I buy most of my stuff 40% off direct from their distributors now, but still, it's convenient for an emergency.

Short answer is no... but I'll be getting it soon, I promise No really!

I have a problem with my first BYAP system - the Fish pond in the garden.
The bore water causes the pH to rise to above the maximum range of the Master Test Kit High pH test.
I have tried lemons with only very short lived success.
I feel that this is because citric (and acetic - vinegar) are very weak acids. Theu are easily absorbed and the effect is negligible in the long term.

I have diluted 50mL of pool acid in 2 Litres of water and have been adding 100mL of this to the pond daily for 2 days. I will report in my member's thread on the progress of my pH in response to this treatment.
The pond holds around 400 - 500 litres (guess), so this is a small amount of acid I am adding.

Should the pH continue to be >8.4 after a week, I will consider increasing the dosage.

Good one T9ney, keep us up to date

I spoke to a hydroponic shop owner today and he said they use Phosphoric acid to bring ph down in hydroponic applications and potassium hydrate to bring it up. what do you people think?

AP

I suppose would it add phosphorous? If so, instead of the choride, that would be a positive?

I like the idea of adding potassium - but then my pH is not too high lik eyou guys - so I guess I could

Just be careful of Potassium Hydrate ... caustic potash.... nasty stuff, used in "Drano" and stuff like that...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_hydroxide

Potassium bicarbonate will bring pH up, VB.

Wouldn't know where to get it Janet. I've been thinking that maybe potassium hydrogen tartrate (cream of tartar) may be my best bet. Do they sell Potassium Bicarbonate over there as something in particular or for a specific purpose?

Check home wine-making stores or websites for potassium bicarb. It is used to raise pH in winemaking.

I hadn't thought of cream of tartar.

Cream of Tartar would lower the pH, wouldn't it? Is that the direction you want to go, VB?

Many things bring the Ph up but over time and fluctuations in temperatures/water quality the Ph will change. What you need for a definite ph is a buffer such as Limestone for 8.0 ph.

Not sure on the buffer for low level Ph. I can get a acid used for Discus (5.0-6.0ph) it is something like $25 for 25 liters not sure on the name, very nasty stuff.

Nic