01-15-2009, 07:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by allensylves
...
A simpler first step would be to check with the lady that has put out the publication on catchment systems in Hawaii - sorry I cannot remember her name. See what she says about effects of concrete on acid catchment water, etc.
Allen
Baton Rouge, LA & HPP
Trisha MacComber. I asked her about this some time ago. She said that tossing concrete chunks or other alkaline solids (chalk/calcium chunks etc.) will not work well with the type of acidity we get from the vog here. The chemistry is different than other acid rain situations. Apparently the chemistry here is such that the surfaces of the intended alkalinizing materials will be neutralized - covered by a layer of something resulting from the chemical reaction of the surface with the water - and then won't have any effect any more.
Good old baking soda will work, of course.
However you'll have to dose your tank every so often as you draw off the treated water and it is replaced by more acid water.
She suggested that the finer the particulate of alkalinizing material, the better it would likely work. Mainly because there'd be way more surface area so it would take longer for the surface to be rendered ineffective.
cheers,
John S.