High alkalinity in makeup water

[2639]

I made 25 gallons of fresh saltwater using Instant ocean a few days ago. I went to test it and the dKH is 14!!!..I tested twice.

I can get by with 5 gallons at a time i'm sure but what would I risk by changing 25 gallons of a 90 gallon system? The system dkh is around 7. That's doubling 25 gallons worth.

I didn't do a lot of math but I know it will raise it substantially ( not quite as high as 14 ).

How would some others go about this? How can I lower the alk?

ps..my ph is 8.1 and my ca is 380 ~ 400 in the makeup water.

 

[steve the plumb]

Its not that bad for one depending on your tanks needs.If you have a high demand tank it will get used up fast.You are low at a dkh of 7.Many people who run a calcium reactor run a dkh of 12.Mine is at 9.6 to 10 dkh.You should do a water change wait 15 minutes and test.I doubt your dkh will raise past 10 dkh.You should changes water once a week.You can changes more doing iy once a month but this way you won't have a large drop or raise in trace elements.My tank is 150 with a 35 gal sump and I change 10 gal per week.You are supposed to change 20% per month.Some people do less

 

[2639]

i've been toying with the idea of doing 1 or 2 gallons a day but I've been concerned more with the factd that I may be wasting trace elements

I try to balance the cost of the hobby with the needs of my tank . it's hard most the time LOL

I'll do my 25 gallon change and read the alk about an hour after...THANKS!!

 

[steve the plumb]

You can make your own additives go theref chemistry forum.Baking soada for alk calcium chloride for cal and mag flakes with epson salt for mag.Very simple to make and costs pennies.