Is there a grocery store substitute for PH reducer?

[mwsmith2]

Yes, borax affects alk, but to a lesser extent that soda ash (the usual pH up) does. The reason it only gives .2 increases in pH is because it doesn't account for alk...and that's the furthest you can move it and be reasonably accurate without that info. Actually what it's making you do is add a little bit and test...just like you're supposed to.

I'd add a section in there for using borax for pH control, but I don't have a formula, and don't have a way to develop one. Sorry guys!

Michael

[cygnusecks]

I see.. yeah understood about the .2 thing, good thinking :-)

So is soda ash as cheap as borax and as easily available?

[mwsmith2]

You can use soda ash but it is going to skyrocket your alk. That's why we use borax.

Michael