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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Neverquit on January 05, 2011, 01:17:08 AM

Title: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: Neverquit on January 05, 2011, 01:17:08 AM

Hi there,

am wandering if I should add NaOH crystals to my pond to reduce the acidity or make it up as a solution and then add that? What would be the most effective way?

Thanks,

Neverquit

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: chronictonic on January 05, 2011, 01:43:15 AM

a buffer solution might be more effective for maintaining a constant pH. depends on how much life is in there already and whether you mind killing it or not. if killing things is no prob just add 10% NaOH solution and test regularly with a pool pH testing kit.

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: Neverquit on January 05, 2011, 01:49:23 AM

Hi
would it be okay to add NaOH crystals? They would dissociate in the water quite easily right? Was thinking that the solution may be more effective as it would dilute easier and quicker in the pond. So I should slowly introduce the NaOH to the pond otherwise I will fry the fish?

Thanks,

Neverquit

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: Borek on January 05, 2011, 03:36:42 AM

Don't add solid NaOH, fish will try to eat it, they always taste what falls into water.

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: chronictonic on January 05, 2011, 04:23:01 AM

aquarium stores sell acidity regulators. thats what chu need. or a weak solution of NaOH. but acidity regulators are specifically designed for what you want. unless you dont care about whether the fish die. in which case hydroxide away

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: Neverquit on January 05, 2011, 08:05:27 AM

hi thanks for help. I think I might go to the pet shop. 

The reason I thought NaOH was okay is because a lady down at the local lake yesterday was telling me she was using NaOH to reduce the acidity of the lake. And I know NaOH is a strong base so it makes sense that a neutralisation reaction would happen.

I can't remember if she said it was a solution or a solid crystal or pellets.

Any ideas which one it would have been. She was telling me it was some sort of calibrated release system.

Thanks,
Neverquit

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: Borek on January 05, 2011, 10:39:41 AM

Quote from: Neverquit on January 05, 2011, 08:05:27 AM

She was telling me it was some sort of calibrated release system.

I would guess that means solution, solutions are much easier to operate with.

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: billnotgatez on January 05, 2011, 06:13:25 PM

how big is your pond

how big is the lady's lake

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: Neverquit on January 05, 2011, 06:23:13 PM

Hi again,

the size of the pond is about 3mx2m and about .80m at the deepest point. Not sure about the lake.

Thanks,
Neverquit

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: typhoon2028 on January 06, 2011, 11:39:11 AM

Would a baking soda solution be safer?

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: billnotgatez on January 06, 2011, 04:05:37 PM

when adding Sodium Hydroxide to water do you get exothermic activity

Title: Re: Reducing acidity in my pond with NaOH
Post by: Neverquit on January 06, 2011, 06:52:55 PM

Thanks for all of your help. Please close this topic ;D