15 Alk too high?

[GpixL_]

Read this, make a solution, calibrate the refactometer, then retest salinity.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/

Ok so Ill make this real quick

 

[GpixL_]

Wanna trade?

My closest LFS is a 3 hour drive one way.

so fun

 

[GpixL_]

Ok so Ill make this real quick

Actually cant make this rn but will do it a little later.
Thanks for the help everyone. Ill update later

 

[GpixL_]

Read this, make a solution, calibrate the refactometer, then retest salinity.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/

Btw once I get the correct salinity, what do I do? Because theoretically I find out that they are both high right?

 

[homer1475]

Simple to make, and will get us further into the investigation.

 

[homer1475]

Btw once I get the correct salinity, what do I do? Because theoretically I find out that they are both high right?

Maybe I'm getting old? Is there anything in the tank, or are we still cycling it?

 

[GpixL_]

Simple to make, and will get us further into the investigation.

To make sure, its this right?

This 3.65 weight percent sodium chloride solution can be made by dissolving 3.65 grams of sodium chloride in 96.35 grams (mL) of purified freshwater.

For a rougher measurement in the absence of an accurate water volume or weight measurement:

1. Measure ¼ cup of Morton's Iodized Salt (about 73.1 g)
2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt (making about 79.3 g total salt)
3. Measure the full volume of a plastic 2-L Coke or Diet Coke bottle filled with purified freshwater (about 2104.4 g)
4. Dissolve the total salt (79.3 g) in the total water volume (2104 g) to make an approximately 3.65 weight percent solution of NaCl. The volume of this solution will be slightly larger than the Coke bottle, so dissolve it in another container.

 

[GpixL_]

Maybe I'm getting old? Is there anything in the tank, or are we still cycling it?

Cycling

 

[homer1475]

YUP thats correct.

 

[IslandLifeReef]

Ok so Ill make this real quick

You can't use tap water for this calibration standard. If you do, it won't be accurate and will probably be higher than the standard you are looking for. You need RODI or some other purified water.

 

[homer1475]

Cycling

Since your still cycling, many things we can do to bring the numbers down.

But lets get an accurate salinity reading first before we start messing with the chemistry.

 

[GpixL_]

You can't use tap water for this calibration standard. If you do, it won't be accurate and will probably be higher than the standard you are looking for. You need RODI or some other purified water.

Oop. I dont really have RODI water.

 

[homer1475]

You can't use tap water for this calibration standard. If you do, it won't be accurate and will probably be higher than the standard you are looking for. You need RODI or some other purified water.

This right here ^^

You need to use RO/DI, or distilled water for the calibration fluid.

 

[GpixL_]

This right here ^^

You need to use RO/DI, or distilled water for the calibration fluid.

How do I get that?

 

[X-37B]

Woa! Slow down brother and get your system in order. You will have nothing but issues if you dont.
You need a plan.
What alk, ca, mag, do you want to run? This is part of your plan.
Alk is easy to lower with soduim bisulfate but you need to know what it is first. Best was is to get a salifert test kit and compair it to the hanna. Your sg test must be repeatable. I always have 2 methods to test all parameters and both should be close.

Please do not add any life forms to your system until its cycled and stable.

 

[homer1475]

Oop. I dont really have RODI water.

Are you using TAP water for the tank, and to mix salt in?

If so, it could very well explain the high ALK.

 

[IslandLifeReef]

How do I get that?

Most grocery stores sell distilled water. Maybe even a gas station.

 

[Chortanator]

So you mixed your salt with water straight from the tap??

 

[GpixL_]

So you mixed your salt with water straight from the tap??

Yes

 

[GpixL_]

Woa! Slow down brother and get your system in order. You will have nothing but issues if you dont.
You need a plan.
What alk, ca, mag, do you want to run? This is part of your plan.
Alk is easy to lower with soduim bisulfate but you need to know what it is first. Best was is to get a salifert test kit and compair it to the hanna. Your sg test must be repeatable. I always have 2 methods to test all parameters and both should be close.

Please do not add any life forms to your system until its cycled and stable.

Alk - 9-11
Ca - ~400
Mag - 1250 - 1350