Mixing salt to RO/DI water

[Joshjohnson]

ok this is just a general question, now have my RO/DI unit up and running just made my first batch of water and ready to mix the salt. I thought that i read some where that the ph of the new water will be very low and that either salt mix will raise it or that you also had to add a buffer to it. Can some one give a little advice on this.

thanks
josh

 

[mflamb]

Yo Josh,
Just mix it and match it to your current salinity and temp. Mix it for a day before you use it.
Mike

 

[W Ellis]

When i mix salt into ro water i run a maxijet with the airline attahed and let it run over night. Airating the water will help bring the ph up. I havent checked the ph after letting it mix but i have never had a ph problem. I would just check the ph and if it is low just add some buffer.

 

[cschweitzer]

Need PH at right near 8.4 RO somes out at under 7(more acidic, I think because of DI, but I might be wrong). The salt you add makes a huge difference in the need for buffers. Overall, TTRex is right. Aerate the water and before adding, check the ph. If below 8.4, buffer with alk or with baking soda(be careful...I don't know recommended dose to bring x gallons .y PH higher).

Also, with mixing salt, check your Mg, Ca, and alk. Without them, corals and rock will not perform to highest standards...

 

[Sk8r]

Kent Dkh buffer is a good product to have on hand for this job. Good to test all params of new salt water: batches have been known to vary.

 

[mflamb]

Sk8r...Good point...we get lazy and don't test our "new" water very often.

 

[Joshjohnson]

thanks for the replies, i do have the kent dkh buffer, but i don't think i will need it i tested my new water this morning and the PH was 8.4 so i think am good go.

 

[plyle02]

Josh,
Test, test, test.... Just like mflamb said, sometimes we take for granted that everything is going to be cool goin into the tank. You never know, could get a bad batch of salt? As you know, I have had to learn the hard way...lol...
Perry