Carbonate and Bicarbonate?

[inthedark]

A number of the sources I've read quote bicarbonate levels when describing target water for particular styles.

My calculator of choice for water treatment (because I don't understand Brew N Water) is the one hosted here at Jim's, but the target water section calls for carbonate instead. Is there some sort of conversion I can do from bicarbonate to carbonate or are the two unrelated for this purpose?

Thanks

Paul

[Eric]

Yes, there's a simple mathematical relationship. Getting alkalinity to a correct level is the vital starting point for water treatment.
Alkalinity is composed of various compounds, but for comparison and adjustment it is helpful to have it expressed in a single form.
When measured as calcium carbonate(CaCO3), then to convert that to bicarbonate(HCO3) multiply by 1.22 or by 0.6 for conversion to carbonate(CO3)

[inthedark]

Yes, there's a simple mathematical relationship. Getting alkalinity to a correct level is the vital starting point for water treatment.
Alkalinity is composed of various compounds, but for comparison and adjustment it is helpful to have it expressed in a single form.
When measured as calcium carbonate(CaCO3), then to convert that to bicarbonate(HCO3) multiply by 1.22 or by 0.6 for conversion to carbonate(CO3)

OK, so does that mean converting from a target bicarbonate to target carbonate is roughly 50% (0.6/1.22 = 0.492)?

Paul

[AnthonyUK]

My bicarbonate levels in Bru'N Water are 300+ ppm but carbonate is 0.3ppm which in the comments says is OK as the pH is below 9.
If you can persevere with BruNwater it is much more useful once it clicks.

[Eric]

Yes, there's a simple mathematical relationship. Getting alkalinity to a correct level is the vital starting point for water treatment.
Alkalinity is composed of various compounds, but for comparison and adjustment it is helpful to have it expressed in a single form.
When measured as calcium carbonate(CaCO3), then to convert that to bicarbonate(HCO3) multiply by 1.22 or by 0.6 for conversion to carbonate(CO3)

OK, so does that mean converting from a target bicarbonate to target carbonate is roughly 50% (0.6/1.22 = 0.492)?

Paul

Yes Paul, you have that mathematically correct.
The subject isn't rocket science, but a confusing one in which it is easy to make incorrect assumptions.
Are you asking this in relation to alkalinity or hardness?

[inthedark]

Are you asking this in relation to alkalinity or hardness?

It's because some 'target' water profiles show bicarbonate and others show carbonate, and I want to use the calculator (which only accepts carbonate) to treat my water to get it closer to the stated target. Is that what you're asking?

[Eric]

Are you asking this in relation to alkalinity or hardness?

It's because some 'target' water profiles show bicarbonate and others show carbonate, and I want to use the calculator (which only accepts carbonate) to treat my water to get it closer to the stated target. Is that what you're asking?

I'd read your posting to imply an intent to use Graham's Water Treatment Calculator, which has options to use any of those three measurements mentioned for both or either alkalinity and hardness without need for conversion. As hardness and alkalinity are frequently confused due to being quantified by the same or similar measurement, I thought the question might have some validity.

Good luck.
Eric.

[inthedark]

Yes, the calculator uses any of the measures for a starting point but not for where you want to get to. It's that bit I was having trouble with. Thanks for your help!