Potassium bicarbonate

Potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) (also known as potassium hydrogen carbonate or potassium acid carbonate), is a colorless, odorless, slightly basic, salty substance.

Potassium bicarbonate is soluble in water, and is often found added to bottled water to affect taste.

Physically, potassium bicarbonate occurs as a crystal or a soft white granular powder.

Use in an aquarium
This chemical is used in planted aquariums to increase the stability of the water pH by increasing the KH of the water and adds potassium to the water which plants use as a micro-nutrient. It is sometimes used instead of Sodium bicarbonate as Sodium isn't a useful chemical in the aquarium.


 * Potassium bicarbonate is slightly preferable than Potassium carbonate in aquariums as it dissolves faster.


 * It can be bought from specialist home baking suppliers.

Links

 * Wikipedia