How do I figure out Bicarb levels

[sharkguy05]

I know all my other levels needed for my water, based on the report from the local public utilites lab. They dont test bicarb though. I know my total alkalinity is about 60. How do I transform this into HCO3?

[mabrungard]

Converting from Alkalinity to bicarbonate concentration is fairly easy, but is contingent upon the water pH. If the water has a typical pH in the 6.5 to 8.5 range, you could ignore the pH without much penalty. The conversion formula is:

HCO3 (ppm) = Alk (ppm as CaCO3) x (61/50)

An easier way to do the conversion is to download and use Bru'n Water software. That calculation (including the pH effect) is already in there.

Enjoy.