Chemistry question: Is anyone familiar . . .

[KoiCop]

with using injector technology to dose a constant trickle of water with white vinegar to lower a pond's pH?

Approximations for discussion: Tap water = 8.4 pH, 6,000 gallon pond, 600 gallons of water flow per day and 1 gallon of white vinegar per week.

Is this feasible?

Is there any way to estimate results?

[bekko]

A peristalic pump would be simpler and safer than injectors. AquaticEco.com has them as well as Cole Palmer and many lab and medical supply houses. The tubing size and speed of the cam act in concert to determine the flow rate. You can dilute the vinegar to fine tune it.

To predict results, you do a log transformation of the water pH and vinegar pH (turn the pH numbers into hydrogen ion concentration). Then do your algebra to get the proportion of vinegar to water to hit the target pH.

The problem with the prediction is that the water alkalinity continues to buffer the pH after you make the pH adjustment with vineger. It may never be completely stabilized but will become more stable after the vinegar burns up some of the alkalinity.

Vinegar is organic and you may decide you do not want to be adding more organic matter to the pond. Instead you could use hydrochloric (muriatic) acid. You can use distilled water to dilute it down to whatever pH you want it to be.


-s

[MikeM]

I am sure there is a way to do this, but I do not like the idea. Constant testing still would be necessary. I do not know anyone with the diligence and stamina to maintain laboratory processes in a koi pond.

[dick benbow]

I'm positive the majority of folks know about the handling dangers of muratic acid but in case there are some out there that don't....you don't want to touch it in any way! It'll burn your you!

[JasPR]

"you don't want to touch it in any way! It'll burn your you! "

Dick, it begs the question; why were you putting muratic acid on your 'you'?! I imagine It must have stung! JR

[MCA]

Muratic acid is very good for cleaning the Answer screens. Naturally they are removed from Answer/Nexus and the rubber seals are removed.

After cleaning I rinse thescreens very throughly with a pressure hose. It takes very little acid and only needs to be done maybe once a quarter.

Have fresh water and baking soda standing by in case of an accident.

Keep the acid away from kids and other pets!!!

[KoiCop]

Thanks for the responses so far. I've got to admit that playing with muriatic acid scares me.

This suggestion came from my water softener guy -- and it was suggested to him by his factory water chemisty geek when I asked what could be added to the system to lower the pH?

So I thought I'd put it out there for real-world feedback.

[Nancy M.]

Don, this is what a guy in Bakersfield is using

Dosing Pump with pH

Controller

This unique dosing pump features an integrated pH controller. It features unbeatable ± .01 pH resolution and an internal alarm that is activated whenever the pH value varies by more than 2 pH units from the set point. Proportional dosing slows the pump when the measured pH level approaches the set value, ensuring precise dosage. Kynar®, Viton® and Teflon® materials are used for all parts that come into contact with liquid. Maximum flow rate is 2.1 gph @ 58 psi (50 gpd). Pump is 115V, 50/60Hz and includes power cord, discharge and suction lines, valves and instructions. Weighs 11 lbs. Connects to any BNC pH electrode (sold separately). One-year warranty.

Click image to view larger image

Part No.NameShippingIn StockPriceQuantityDS21Dosing Pump w/pH controllerIn Stock$845.00

[KoiCop]

Thanks Nancy . . .

Wow! Got an URL so I can go browsing? I'm guessing it uses Muriatic Acid?

Never mind: I clicked the pic and it took me there.

Next question: How long has it been in operation? Any feedback?

[gspotmc]

Don,
It seems like you are beefing up your system. Planning on getting more high end stuff.
MC

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