as you know, micro-algae can change pH and make problems in aquaculture. i want to know how can i maintain pH in range of 6-8 or what materials can do it.
Hello,
What about mineral buffer? pH range in 6-8.
Otherwise any water with decent hardness of above 10 dH would be sufficient to lend a buffering effect in the desired pH range. Just look at the African rivers and rift valley lakes, barring a few. Addition of CaCO3 can have the same effect.
BUT biological buffers are much better in this regard since their pKa values lie within 6-8 and are not easily absorbed nor are they toxic. Examples are Glycine, DEA etc.
Hello Rahman,
Depending on your goal, the easiest way we have found to maintain pH over a growth cycle is to simply add 1N acid or base (drop-wise). This can be done with a dosing pump, or if the fluctuations can be a bit greater - with a pH meter and a pipette.
I have seen papers use NaOH and/or HCl for pH modification, whereas we use NaOH and H2SO4 as we are working with acidic off-gas containing some SO2 (as a more general theme).
Best of luck,
Corey
Yes you will have to take help of a buffer solution which can control the pH within your expected range. In the literature, you may get so many buffer solution and also the process of preparation.
1. Review your detailed water chemistry report / analysis.
2. Search for a “ph and mineral calculator for beer production”.
(I have used the Bru’n Water calculator for home beer brewing. It is based on a spreadsheet model. Other calculators may be effective.)
3. Use the calculator by inputting your current chemistry profile while considering the chemical needs of your algae and fish.
4. You should now have a good estimate of all minerals and salts that affect your water ph. The calculator should allow you to input specific adjustments for each mineral or salt, thus fine tuning your desired water profile for both chemical content and ph.
5. You should now have a “micro algae/ aquaculture profile adjustment calculator).
My theory is that ph adjustment should consider more than one mineral or salt in your complex water chemical profile. Best wishes. Let me know if this type of calculation is feasible in your project.
Greetings!
please practice "pattern buffer addition approach" in aquaponic system.
Regards,
Alok
If your system's pH rises, it means that microalgae culture is performing photosynthesis (which requires CO2 as a basic supply); in this case, a 0.5% CO2 supplementation would be convenient.
On the other hand, if your system pH is low (approximately 6), the CaCO3 addition is recommended.
Of course, these reagents can be expensive and unviable depending on the system size - but in my best opinion, they are best recommended for no damage to microalgae culture.
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