Adding a alkalinity booster to my ro system, good idea?

[Bruce7267ad]

So I found a extra stage I can add to my ro system and it raises the pH and I'm just curious if you guys have any thoughts about this idea.
Thanks guys.

 

[Idaho Mojo]

Following. This sounds interesting. Im aware of the alkaline drinking water filter systems that cost $$$$, but never considered it for reef systems because if the cost.

Any information on the stage you're referring to? Maybe what kind of media it uses? Price range? Maybe a link to the product?

If it is reef safe, I dont see why this wouldn't not only work, but be beneficial to people who struggle to maintain certain alkalinity in their systems.

 

[landlubber]

So I found a extra stage I can add to my ro system and it raises the pH and I'm just curious if you guys have any thoughts about this idea.
Thanks guys.

do you have abnormally low ph or dkh?
my opinion, just stick with the normal 4-stage.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

I am not sure I see a reason for it. The salt mix you use should take care of the PH for you.

 

[Idaho Mojo]

I am not sure I see a reason for it. The salt mix you use should take care of the PH for you.

Unless your source water has abnormally low alkalinity, in which case, the salt mix would only raise it so much.

I mix to 1.025 and my alk is only 7.0dkh so I have to supplement to raise my alkalinity to proper levels

 

[Bruce7267ad]

Unless your source water has abnormally low alkalinity, in which case, the salt mix would only raise it so much.

I mix to 1.025 and my alk is only 7.0dkh so I have to supplement to raise my alkalinity to proper levels

I have one on my drinking water at home and it raises the pH to about 8.5 I love in Arizona mabey it's just where I live my pH is kinda low. It's a extra stage from a company called reverse osmosis revolution it has some different minerals in it I'll have to look them up to see if they're fish safe. Just had this idea today.
I use instant ocean reef so my dkh is like 11. Way high.

 

[Saltyreef]

Your dkh is too high already and that extra alkaline filter is not needed. Salt mix is all you really need.

 

[Saltyreef]

All its really doing is adding minerals back into the water for taste.

 

[Bruce7267ad]

I can't wait to use up this instance ocean I know my dkh is way too high. Idk what they where thinking with that mix haha

 

[Saltyreef]

I can't wait to use up this instance ocean I know my dkh is way too high. Idk what they where thinking with that mix haha

I would switch to regular IO asap and work on bringing the alk down to 8 to 9dkh.

 

[The Aquatic Arsenal]

With IO I have noticed that you just have to spread your WC out more, but then of course other elements can get out of whack.

 

[Saltyreef]

You can use muriatic acid in the fresh mix bucket to bring alk down to an acceptable range. The pro salts are best for small water changes on large systems.

 

[Bruce7267ad]

Brs did a best salt water mix for reefs and that tropic marina did the best in all tests I think I'll be switching to that. I also noticed red Sea makes a a+b+c coral booster. Have you guys had any luck with this? I guess instead of using the alkalinity booster element in my RO water once I get my levels where I need them for the corals and fish I can just maintain everything with a tiny kalkwasser drip.

 

[Saltyreef]

Depends on your stocking preferences...and consumption. Youll really want to do a consumption log over 5 days to really get a feel for your daily consumption average.
Keep in mind, youll still need to test periodically since consumption can change based on any number of variables.
Youll then see if you are able to sustain your macros on kalk drip or if youll eventually need a 2 part regemine.

 

[landlubber]

Brs did a best salt water mix for reefs and that tropic marina did the best in all tests I think I'll be switching to that. I also noticed red Sea makes a a+b+c coral booster. Have you guys had any luck with this? I guess instead of using the alkalinity booster element in my RO water once I get my levels where I need them for the corals and fish I can just maintain everything with a tiny kalkwasser drip.

if you are doing the right things for your tank the reef salt you use is not going to be the reason your tank succeeds or struggles. just stick with a quality brand that is easy to get so you're not forced to switch upsetting your stability.
as far as supplemental elements, depending what corals you're growing you may never have to do anything more than water changes. If the tank requires more then you might consider kalk, dosing 2 part or a calcium reactor.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Unless your source water has abnormally low alkalinity, in which case, the salt mix would only raise it so much.

I mix to 1.025 and my alk is only 7.0dkh so I have to supplement to raise my alkalinity to proper levels

source water should have zero alkalinity. No salt mix assumes it has any.