New Tank Water dKH

[jabeuy]

Ok, let's set the scene:

- You keep your tank at 8dKH

- You use a salt mix where a fresh batch mixes at 10-11dKH (not too big an issue when doing 10% water changes on a 30g)

- You'll be setting up a new tank in the near future, with all new freshly mixed saltwater.

 

We know alkalinity swings in a short period are bad for corals. So how would you introduce your corals to the new tank if there's a 2-4dKH difference, assuming all other important parameters have been matched?

Slow drip acclimation? Something else? Not a big issue? What do you guys do when transferring to a new tank?

 

My inclination would be to just use a different salt mix that matches desired parameters, for the initial fill-up at least.

[markalot]

I would buy a small bucket of Red Sea Blue salt, blue bucket, to lower the higher KH salt. Get the tanks the same, transfer, then slowly raise the KH up. That said I've moved acros, montis, and birdsnests from my 150 (8KH) to my 29 (10KH) and while there is some browning none have died or even receded.

[Arce]

Raise the alkalinity of the existing tank to within 1dkh of the salt mix. No issues, transfer right over. Over time, if you really want to bring it back down do it slowly.

 

Orrrr....just do what mark said cause that would be my second option.

 

Also, use as much water from the old system. Not sure what the 2 size tanks are.

[jabeuy]

I would buy a small bucket of Red Sea Blue salt, blue bucket, to lower the higher KH salt. Get the tanks the same, transfer, then slowly raise the KH up. That said I've moved acros, montis, and birdsnests from my 150 (8KH) to my 29 (10KH) and while there is some browning none have died or even receded.

Thanks Mark.

I use Reef Crystals right now, so my plan was to mix the new water with something that has lower alk. Either Instant Ocean or Tropic Marin. I'm not too familiar with the Red Sea salts other than the their Coral Pro. I'll take a look at those as well.

 

Raise the alkalinity of the existing tank to within 1dkh of the salt mix. No issues, transfer right over. Over time, if you really want to bring it back down do it slowly.

 

Orrrr....just do what mark said cause that would be my second option.

 

Also, use as much water from the old system. Not sure what the 2 size tanks are.

 

Thanks Arce, I'll probably do some combo of both if I have trouble finding a salt that mixes at what I want.

I think I'll use all new water...I have 30g and the new system would be at least > 180g! Hahaha

[markalot]

Thanks Mark.

I use Reef Crystals right now, so my plan was to mix the new water with something that has lower alk. Either Instant Ocean or Tropic Marin. I'm not too familiar with the Red Sea salts other than the their Coral Pro. I'll take a look at those as well.

 

 

Thanks Arce, I'll probably do some combo of both if I have trouble finding a salt that mixes at what I want.

I think I'll use all new water...I have 30g and the new system would be at least > 180g! Hahaha

 

IO is too high KH. The blue bucket from Red Sea is one of the few salts that targets lower Alk, around 8KH.

[jabeuy]

 

IO is too high KH. The blue bucket from Red Sea is one of the few salts that targets lower Alk, around 8KH.

Thanks for the tip. Where are you able to get these numbers (other than measuring them yourself)?

 

The latest numbers I've found is here http://saltwateraquariumblog.com/best-aquarium-salt-mix-review-popular-reef-salt-mix-options but it doesn't have the blue bucket.

[seabass]

Red Sea salt at 35.5 ppt:

Alkalinity (dKH) is 7.8 - 8.2

Calcium is 420 - 440

Magnesium is 1250 - 1310

 

Source: http://www.redseafish.com/red-sea-salts/red-sea-salt/

[jabeuy]

Red Sea salt at 35.5 ppt:

Alkalinity (dKH) is 7.8 - 8.2

Calcium is 420 - 440

Magnesium is 1250 - 1310

 

Source: http://www.redseafish.com/red-sea-salts/red-sea-salt/

Ooh thanks! That looks perfect, the non "coral pro" one

Doesn't seem like very many,if any, stores in Canada carry the regular Red Sea salts though.

[blasterman]

Given that dKH is so absurdly easy to increase ($1.00 box of baking soda) I see no need to buy the brands with the high dKH additives. I've had commercial salts mix as high as 15, which didn't do my corals any good.

[dillct]

 

IO is too high KH.

 

Only if you're running a ULNS, otherwise it's fine for most hobbyists. Cheap, consistent and mixes clear every time.

[sprite]

Easy way to lower alk in newly mixed water is add about 5 drops of muratic acid to a gallon of water to drop it roughly 3 kh.. Let it mix with a power head a couple hours so the pH will come back to normal then do your change