Adjusting pH using sodium bicarbonate

Procedure-in-brief: Adjusting pH when it goes too low, i.e., <7.0, using sodium bicarbonate

PPE: gloves

Requirements: weighing balance, small basin, pH meter or test kits, sodium bicarbonate powder

MSDS (sodium bicarbonate)

Methodology:

1. Measure pH.
2. Calculate amount of sodium bicarbonate (to raise pH by 0.2, add 15g sodium bicarbonate per 1000L system water).
3. Dilute in water and slowly add into the biofilter or the sump. Do not add directly into the culture tanks, if possible. Direct addition of the diluted solution into biofloc tanks is acceptable.
4. Measure pH again after a few hours to monitor response.

Example calculations:

• Add 30g in Q-SYS to raise pH by 0.2
• Add 150g in A-SYS to raise pH by 0.2

Risk Management:

• Safe Working Procedure (in progress)
• Risk Assessment (in progress)

Forms to accomplish:

• General maintenance [List of FOPs] [History] [Record form]