Chemistry Changing in my SW Container

[Jgoal55]

In my never ending quest to get my nightmare nano under control, I decided to test my reservoir of SW. I typically mix about 50 gallons worth ahead of time and use it over the course of 2 months or so. I've been doing water changes this way for years, never a problem. And I still don't think this is the cause of my issues but I'm turning over every rock here.

Anyway, I've noticed that the chemistry of the SW in my reservoir changes over time. Im using Reed Crystals salt. Here are the latest results all mixed at 77-78 degrees:

Jan 31 - New batch (tested the next day)

Alk - 10.06
Calcium - 420

2/9

Alk - 8.4 Alk
Calc - 420

2/16

Alk- 7.9
Calc - 400

As far as I understand, the water chemistry in SW shouldn't vary much as long as you have it circulating which I do. Any ideas? Suggestions?

Only thing I can think of is that because I have loose fitting lid on the container, condensation from the evaporated water drips back into the tank. But no way that can cause these fluctuations right?

 

[rps3]

Could be weather related. It's a big IF but I've seen it while testing my main tank.

 

[AquamanE]

In my never ending quest to get my nightmare nano under control, I decided to test my reservoir of SW. I typically mix about 50 gallons worth ahead of time and use it over the course of 2 months or so. I've been doing water changes this way for years, never a problem. And I still don't think this is the cause of my issues but I'm turning over every rock here.

Anyway, I've noticed that the chemistry of the SW in my reservoir changes over time. Im using Reed Crystals salt. Here are the latest results all mixed at 77-78 degrees:

Jan 31 - New batch (tested the next day)

Alk - 10.06
Calcium - 420

2/9

Alk - 8.4 Alk
Calc - 420

2/16

Alk- 7.9
Calc - 400

As far as I understand, the water chemistry in SW shouldn't vary much as long as you have it circulating which I do. Any ideas? Suggestions?

Only thing I can think of is that because I have loose fitting lid on the container, condensation from the evaporated water drips back into the tank. But no way that can cause these fluctuations right?

That is a very big difference indeed. IMHO- you should post this in the main reef chemistry forum. And let me know when you do so i can subscribe,

 

[bawla47]

Have you mixed up the salt real well in the bucket before using? If yes, thats all i got lol


edit- nevermind my answer as I didnt read it well, and these are all same readings from same single batch mix..dohh

 

[Jgoal55]

Have you mixed up the salt real well in the bucket before using? If yes, thats all i got lol


edit- nevermind my answer as I didnt read it well, and these are all same readings from same single batch mix..dohh

Yup...same mix.

Eddie, link to chemistry forum post...http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=22453502#post22453502

 

[rovster]

This happens to me with RSCP. I think a lot of the "stuff" just precipitates out because when I mix it its clear, and 2 weeks later in a still bucket, you get that white/yellowish stuff at the bottom of the bucket. I still use it, but it would be nice if the salt would stay stable. Remixing does not help. Curious what the Chem gurus would say in the chem section. I figured this is an issue with all high mineral salts, such as RSCP and RC. I did not notice much of a difference with IO.

 

[rps3]

Are you guys running it 24/7 after mixing for 4 hrs?

I guess it's another thing I'll do on my next salt water mix batch. Test initially and then test again 1-2 weeks later to see what levels I'm getting.

 

[rovster]

No. I mix 30 min to an hour. I've gone back to mixing smaller batches because of this. If you mix too long, you risk overheating and the you really get the snowy stuff!

 

[Jgoal55]

This happens to me with RSCP. I think a lot of the "stuff" just precipitates out because when I mix it its clear, and 2 weeks later in a still bucket, you get that white/yellowish stuff at the bottom of the bucket. I still use it, but it would be nice if the salt would stay stable. Remixing does not help. Curious what the Chem gurus would say in the chem section. I figured this is an issue with all high mineral salts, such as RSCP and RC. I did not notice much of a difference with IO.

But if you still use it, doesn't throw your params out of whack in your display?

Are you guys running it 24/7 after mixing for 4 hrs?

I guess it's another thing I'll do on my next salt water mix batch. Test initially and then test again 1-2 weeks later to see what levels I'm getting.

I have a pump running 24/7 in my reservoir.

 

[rovster]

Not really. With partial water changes, your parameters would have to be EXTREMELY off for it to make a big impact on your system. I use it either way. I usually test the day after a water change anyway, and if something was a little low, I can make a small adjustment and maybe just add a little extra 2 part.

 

[Uncle Luke]

I used to get the same residual from mixing IO in my 50gal container. Once I put my pump on a timer, 12 hours on 12 hours off everyday, I haven't had this issue.

 

[Jgoal55]

I used to get the same residual from mixing IO in my 50gal container. Once I put my pump on a timer, 12 hours on 12 hours off everyday, I haven't had this issue.

Residual? Do you mean residue? I have my timer on 24/7....is there a reason 12 on, 12 off would be better?

Not really. With partial water changes, your parameters would have to be EXTREMELY off for it to make a big impact on your system. I use it either way. I usually test the day after a water change anyway, and if something was a little low, I can make a small adjustment and maybe just add a little extra 2 part.

Just made this same post in the chemistry forum where I posted this as well...it applies here too so I just cut and pasted...lol

Interesting thanks. Part of the issue is that with such a small tank I sometimes go overboard on the amount of water changed so if my new SW isn't at the right parameters, and I change to much, it could affect the display readings. I never worried too much about it but it's something I'll keep in mind going forward. I guess with a nano in particular it's more important to do frequent small changes (maybe weekly or bi weekly), than large monthly changes.

 

[rovster]

I've never had a big tank.....well not yet. I've had good success with both my 14 gallon and 30 gallon temp tank doing weekly changes. In your case that would amount to a 5 gallon bucket a week if I had a tank like yours. Yes your parameters may shift with water change, but never drastically, and I've never noticed any negative signs..........only once when I did a water change with RO only.....rooke mistake Just my opinion.

 

[Jgoal55]

yup...switched to small water changes and things are better