Pond pH is a subject area that is frequently mentioned in pond keeping circles. Like Grammarian's i.e. those that study English Grammar, some people go one step too far and make the subject area all encompassing and mystical sounding.
In simple terms, the pH of any substance is a reading between 0 - 14; 0 being extremely acidic and 14 being extremely alkaline. A reading of 7 is what is known as a neutral pH.
Examples: Sulphuric acid has a very low pH and caustic soda has a high very high pH. A lower pH, indicates a stronger acid; the higher the pH, the stronger the alkali.
So from the above scale it can be deduced that anything with a pH of less than 7 is classed as acidic. pH is a logarithmic scale i.e. the difference between a pH of 6 and a pH of 7 is actually a difference of 10 points; not 1.
Common vinegar known chemically as acetic acid, whilst acidic is nowhere near as acidic or dangerous as Sulphuric acid. In fact acetic acid is commonly used in small doses on the famous English dish - fish and chips.
At the other end of the pH scale is caustic soda (pH of 14); a strong bases or alkali.
A weaker alkali is common baking soda or bicarbonate of soda (taken for upset stomachs).
When a strong alkaline solution is added to a strong acidic solution there is a tremendous amount of heat generated, along with vigorous activity, as a chemical reaction takes place.
So what has this got to do with my pond?
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/Newsletters/Not_another_pond_ph_article.html
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