How do I figure out Bicarb levels
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 12:10 pm
by 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?
Re: How do I figure out Bicarb levels
Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:26 am
by 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.