Seachem Onyx

[krabbie]

Can someone explain what does the following statement from seachem onyx mean?

"Being carbonate rich, Onyx Sand™ provides an advantage to any plants able to utilize bicarbonates."

Q1. What type of plants will utilize bicarbonates? From the statement, it seems that not all plants can utilize bicarbonates?

Q2. Actually, what's bicarbonates?

Q3. It also says that Onyx has "buffering". What does buffering means?

Thanks.

[krabbie]

Eh ... anyone knows? Thanks.

[FishFan]

Hi krabbie,

Bicarbonates (HCO3-) are another source where plants can obtain their carbon. Bicarbonates are essentially bases that react with acids (peat) to release CO2. I am not too sure what kind of plants specifically thrive on bicarbonates. Perhaps someone else could help you.

Buffering means that Onyx will cause the KH to increase.

Read some threads where Moderator BCLee has used Onyx before. Perhaps he can share more of his experience with you.

Cheers.

[XnSdVd]

If i'm not mistaken Java moss do better in high KH environments...