Hi Maria
I'm sort of sitting back and waiting on comments from others on this one. Personally I've never heard of barley having a direct effect on ph. I can see where barley can clear green water thus cut down on single cell algae. In turn cutting down on photosynthesis during the day, and affecting ph that way. The great thing about this hobby, always something to learn.

Craig

Hi Craig,
I went online to order some, and I remember reading on one of the product descriptions, that it can be used as a PH buffer....I'm not sure if it is true, I haven't tested it yet!

Another question I have on concentrated Barley is: does it have to be dosed that accurately, to prevent under dosing, or is over dosing just as bad?

Thank you :)

Maria if your looking for a ph buffer (Total Alkalinity or KH) just use simple baking soda. It will raise your ph a bit but it wont take it above 8.6. Another trick is to put a nylon sock full of crushed coral somewhere in your filter system or waterfall. Just wash it out thoroughly or it will turn your water milky white.
I don't use conc. barley that often.

Craig

Thanks for those tips, Craig :)

Sure, anytime!!!!