Alk Conundrum

[TwoShoesOrOne]

Still cannot lower my alk. Did a bunch of large water changes to no avail.
Then I measure alk of base water (no salt). It was 6.1. Then I mixed in salt to about 30ppm (low I know). BUT the alk was 14.7!!!!

Does this mean my salt mix (IO Reef) is baaaaad?

Thank you.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Try rolling the bucket on the floor to mix up contents & check again @ directions on bucket.

 

[TwoShoesOrOne]

Try rolling the bucket on the floor to mix up contents & check again @ directions on bucket.

The IO comes in 4x 50 gal bags, and I mi each bag. But if you are suggesting that I empty all 4 bags into a bucket and mix that I will buy a different salt mix and mix that in the bucket it came in.

Thanks

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Just mix 1 bag the best you can in a container.
Mix as per directions to check parameters.
You might have to check these online or @ a store, as I don't remember if it is on the box.
IF it is indeed that far off then contact IO

 

[billdogg]

What are you using as your "base" water? If it's ro/di, then all readings should be ZERO! I would guess that if you are, indeed, using ro/di, then it is a testing error.

 

[outssider]

What are you using as your "base" water? If it's ro/di, then all readings should be ZERO! I would guess that if you are, indeed, using ro/di, then it is a testing error.

^
this is right-on.....our salts (all of them) are designed to be mixed with ro/di water. If you're mixing with tap water, that's your problem....that's adding additional alkalinity....

 

[TwoShoesOrOne]

Instant A*****

Instant A*****

Just mix 1 bag the best you can in a container.
Mix as per directions to check parameters.
You might have to check these online or @ a store, as I don't remember if it is on the box.
IF it is indeed that far off then contact IO

I have tried to contact them but they say that the formulation is "proprietary". In other words, if you want to know what is in it YOU bear the burden and expense of testing. Definitely time to change.

 

[TwoShoesOrOne]

Update

Update

I did a test on a small quantity RO water, then I added Instant Ocean Reef salt to 35ppm and tested again.

RO was 7.2
With salt - 15.1

For sure time to switch. But I don't understand because anyone I have ever asked about it says the IO Reef mix is great. Strange.

 

[wrott]

IO mixes to about 8-9 dKH, so you are good if you use water starting at 7 dKH.

 

[hkgar]

Salt mix guide

 

[TwoShoesOrOne]

Thank youi!!!

Thank youi!!!

Salt mix guide

Thanks for the great reference. Why do you think the Coral pro has such a much higher alk?

Thank you

Red Sea 7.7
Red Sea Coral Pro 12.2

 

[Uncle99]

I have used Red Sea Pro (black bucket) for many many years coming from IO.
It mixes exactly as the instructs show, each and every time.

While salt is salt, the mixes and consistency of mix is critical to my mixed reef.

Get what ya pay for, or at least, IMO.

 

[TwoShoesOrOne]

Nonono

Nonono

IO mixes to about 8-9 dKH, so you are good if you use water starting at 7 dKH.

Maybe so, but I did a test batch and measured alk before AND after mixing and let sit for a day.

Ohhh:deadhorse1:

 

[OrionN]

If you check RO and got 7.7 dkH then your testing procedure is wrong or the test kit is out of wack. Highly unlikely that RO water have alkalinity of 7.7

 

[TwoShoesOrOne]

Misunderstanding?

Misunderstanding?

If you check RO and got 7.7 dkH then your testing procedure is wrong or the test kit is out of wack. Highly unlikely that RO water have alkalinity of 7.7

I think you misread my first post. I said, "......I measure alk of base water (no salt). It was 6.1. Then I mixed in salt to about 30ppm (low I know). BUT the alk was 14.7!!!!

Thanks

 

[bshow24]

The water with no salt, if RODI, shouldn’t have any alkalinity. Also, the test kit for salt water and fresh water alk is different. I have a fresh water alk test on hand for this reason.