Bingo1213 Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 I have been having a reoccurring problem where every batch of saltwater I make comes out with a calcium level of about 425 a salinity level of 1.025 and an Alk level of 14! While this currently is not a problem, I am in the process of upgrading my tank and the new tank is being set up as an ULNS. That being said I need a much lower alkalinity. I am currently using Instant Ocean. What recommendations do people have for lowering this level. Would a different salt mix possibly help? Thanks! Link to comment
marko Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 The best, easiest thing to do, is switch to a different salt. Though i am surprised that every package has that high of an alk - its too high. What test kit do you have? Have you tried testing a reference solution? There are tons of 5dkh solutions out there, and recipes to make them (or you can calculate it out if youre bored). Link to comment
Mariaface Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 That's some super high alk, I don't think IO is meant to mix to that number. That being said, you may want to look at Red Sea's blue bucket salt, I know a lot of people like using it for ULNS because of its lower alk level. Link to comment
Bingo1213 Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 Yes I will have to try that. I used a salifert test kit and it actually comes with a reference solution. I tested the new saltwater 2 times and then the reference solution. Both tests were 14 and the reference was exactly 5. Could it be the freshwater i mix the salt with? It is RODI from the LFS. Could that contribute in anyway? Link to comment
Drexellake Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 I would first take some of your tank water to the LFS and have them test it to rule out the test kit. Then if they get the same reading I would get a small package of a different brand salt and test it again using the same water. If it still tests the same it's the water, if not it's the salt. Link to comment
Mariaface Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 Yes I will have to try that. I used a salifert test kit and it actually comes with a reference solution. I tested the new saltwater 2 times and then the reference solution. Both tests were 14 and the reference was exactly 5. Could it be the freshwater i mix the salt with? It is RODI from the LFS. Could that contribute in anyway? Get a TDS meter and measure the RO/DI water, because it shouldn't be altering dKH at all. It should read as close to 0TDS as possible. Link to comment
Drexellake Posted December 17, 2014 Share Posted December 17, 2014 Get a TDS meter and measure the RO/DI water, because it shouldn't be altering dKH at all. It should read as close to 0TDS as possible. LFS can test that too. And they should be doing it often. I wouldn't buy a meter unless you plan on buying your own RO unit. Link to comment
Bingo1213 Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 ok all good advice thanks guys! If the meter does not red zero could it be the freshwater? they do have a TDS meter ill ask them to check it for me. Link to comment
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