Question in Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement

[Banks]

I'm going to start adding Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium using "An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System"

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

And I have a question for you Chemists out there (It's been 20 years since chemistry).

For the alkalinity recipe it suggests heating in an oven to drive off water. But you just turn around and add it to water........why are we driving the water off in the first place?

Thanks is advance.

--Steven

 

[DoctaQ]

if youre talking about baking it, i thought that was to remove co2 from baking soda so your ph doesnt drop when you add it

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Yes, the purpose is to drive off CO2. Water just goes along for the ride.

from it:
"Spread baking soda (594 grams or about 2 ¼ cups) on a baking tray and heat in an ordinary oven at 300°F for one hour to drive off water and carbon dioxide."

I'd now recommend hotter since some folks bake so much it doesn't get hot enough inside. There is no danger of overbaking.

 

[DoctaQ]

score

 

[Banks]

Thanks guys..