carbonate

Description

Carbonate hardness, (KH), is a measure of the bicarbonate & carbonate content of the water. Carbonate hardness contributes to pH stability and can also act as a CO2 backup reserve if CO2 levels fall too low.

carbonate™ is derived from potassium bicarbonate. It increases both carbonate hardness and potassium. The concentration of carbonate™ is 2000 meq/L (5600 dKH). In addition, it contains 78,300 mg/L potassium.

Sizes: 150 mL, 350 mL, 1 L, 4 L

Directions
Add 30 mL to 60 L (15 US gallons) of water once a week (or as needed). This dose raises carbonate hardness by 1 meq/L (2.8 dKH). For unbuffered water or in the absence of CO2 injection, use ¼ to ½ dose to avoid impacting pH.

Plant preferences vary, but a good rule of thumb is about 1-2 meq/L (3-6 dKH). This dose increases potassium by 40 mg/L.

FAQ
What is the reason for using potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and not potassium carbonate (K2CO3) in the Carbonate product?

A: We went with potassium bicarbonate instead of potassium carbonate so that the product would not have as strong an impact upon pH. Potassium bicarb has a pH of around 8.2, while potassium carbonate has a pH closer to 11.5.