Instant Ocean + Alkalinity

[jd371]

I'm with Mickey on this one. I've used IO (plain) for years and my DKH stays at 9.

The same for me. I test the mixed water all the time and at 1.025 I find the DKH exactly where I want it, but usually have to make small adjustments to Ca and Mg.

 

[HBtank]

I did check my refractometer and it's calibrated fine.

For testing, I have been testing it using two different test kits and been getting high readings.

Here's my confusion a little on some of the feedback...
(1) I usually buy the 200gal box of IO, with multiple bags; so an unknown is if each bag is from a different lot? if yes, then would explain the argument to mix up the salt, otherwise, it's a uniform product, so why would you bother mixing?
(2) Curious on the science/argument of letting it rest and it's affects on Alk.
(3) Granted at my level of 14, 11 would be great... but isn't 11 still considered high?

Excuse the obvious training wheels on my questions.... still trying to master water quality 101 to get my corals growing.

Don’t know the full chemistry, but essentially ALL mixes will lose dKH over time and that parameter appears to be the least stable; whether in our tanks or a bucket. People just assume in our tanks it is “natural” processes and their tanks used it to drop to their typical level. The reality is they honestly don’t know.

The thought is that carbonate precipitation seems to occur with fresh mixed water, with the mechanism not entirely known, but that heat and movement appear to accelerate it. Some have guessed that container surfaces may effect it to (and dirty containers with less precipitate). Some discussion below:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2468612&page=3

Matches my experience and why I really don’t care about reef crystals reported high dKH (at levels that should almost harm tanks; 13 dKH). I personally think fresh saltwater readings are misleading, never had my RC tank itself go over 9 dKH even with fresh mix changes, drops very quick in both the mixing tank or display tank.

Lots of people use IO, yet don’t have 11-14 dKH tanks; obviously there is a disconnect.

 

[mcgyvr]

Just throwing this out for your reading/learning enjoyment if you haven't seen it already..
It talks about most reef parameters/gives the typically acceptable "ranges",etc..
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

 

[RobZilla04]

Just throwing this out for your reading/learning enjoyment if you haven't seen it already..
It talks about most reef parameters/gives the typically acceptable "ranges",etc..
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/

This should be a mandatory read for those starting up. Maybe a section called "Killing Time While Cycling"!

I've read it numerous times and have it bookmarked for reference.

 

[CaLevi]

Thanks!! I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Pslreefer]

I have used one 200g box of IO and my alk is sitting at 13.5 per Hanna. I do have a younger yank however.


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