Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just a newbie question, why the use of Potassium Bicarbonate to raise ph instead of common baking soda?

All fruiting plants require Potassium so if we are growing tomatoes for example its likely will need to supplement some potassium

Pot / bicarb does both jobs

And because baking soda is bicarbonate sodium, and sodium isn't good for plants (while potassium is)

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Anyone know where bulk potassium bicarbonate is purchased?
Bulk being kilo or so not truck load...

Any good farm supply shop, brewing supply shop.
Micro Bros. may be to far from you, but there would be something in Midland.
I use pot. carbonate, others on here say thats not right , but some carbonates convert to bi- carbonate in H2O, and carbonates buffer for longer...( await the onslaught)

I also use K2CO3, there is no problem with it- you get twice as much Potassium per weight.

I buy 25kg bags from a local rural supply store in Tamworth.

I use equal proportions of potassium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate when buffering my systems. Works like a charm. 1 tsp potassium bicarbonate per gallon of water applied as a foliar spray will also help control powdery mildew. It is a very versatile and useful compound!

I add a calcium and potassium compound at the same time and in equal proportions because potassium and calcium ions can lock each other out in solution if one's concentrations is significantly greater than the other's.