Zero Alkalinity

[bertoni]

If possible, I'd also try soaking a piece of the DIY live rock in a small container of water, and see how the parameters change over time.

 

[Malum Argenteum]

eroc23, I don't see that you've mentioned precisely what "buffer" you are using -- what brand/product? Also, you haven't mentioned that you mix up SW using RO or RODI water -- this may be an issue (radically high Ca in source water). These facts might shed some light here.

 

[terri_ann]

IMHO I wouldn't use a buffer as it is usually only a short-term fix as you are experiencing. I would mix a small batch of RO/DI SW. Test CA, ALK,MG,SG. Then I would place one of your (GARF) rocks in it, wait 24hrs and test again. In the end, I would do a 100% WC in your nano and dose a 2-Part accordingly. (Randy Holmes-Farley in the 'Water Chemisrty' forum is most helpful, having many articles on water chemistry, including Alk, Ca, Mg, etc.) Once your water parameters are stable for "at least" a week, then you could proceed... Good luck!

 

[eroc23]

Wow, lots of great responses.

The SW mix I am using is Oceanic "Natural Salt Water Mix"

I am using both Kent kH buffer and Seachem Reef Builder (not buffer).

Once I get some time, I'm going to remove all the water and try again. Probably in a couple days.

I'll let everyone know the results.

The water parameters I posted in my first post show the water before I add salt water, and the parameters of the water after it is in my tank.

Pre-Salt Water Mix:
Ph: 7.8
Alk - 1.7
Calc - 940 ppm (yes, it's that high, my LFS didn't believe me until he tested it himself)
Phos - 0.05 ppm

Now...the parameters of the tank currently:

Ph. 8.2
Alk - 0
Calc - 940
Phos - 0.05 ppm
Temperature - 81.4 degrees
Salinity - 1.025

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Are you using tap water?

Can you explain exactly what happened during your alkalinity testing?

Such as "I added this to this and saw that"

I am very skeptical that you have 0 dKH.

 

[danch]

The water parameters I posted in my first post show the water before I add salt water, and the parameters of the water after it is in my tank.

Pre-Salt Water Mix:
Ph: 7.8
Alk - 1.7
Calc - 940 ppm (yes, it's that high, my LFS didn't believe me until he tested it himself)
Phos - 0.05 ppm

When you say 'before I add salt water', do you mean that's your tap water?