AF Reef Salt - High Ca/Mg

[marcustan]

Hello,

I've experienced issues with the AF Reef salt, perturbed enough to post. Hopefully I can get some consensus or opinions. It concerns the latest batch in Australia (Lot 432).

Background:
I've been using AF Reef Salt since 29 Sep 2106 and AF Balling since 15 Oct 2016. I keep a very detailed log on Aquatic log.

I've had issues with high Ca and Mg since mid Dec 2016 and again late Jan 2017 coinciding with the new batch of AF Reef salt arriving in Australia. A fellow reefer and tanks maintenance guy is having similar problems.

This is the second time I've tested my ASW after 100L mix and have tested 2 small batches (10L) this week. Parameters are:

Salinity 1.025 SG, Alk 8.1-8.3 dKH, Ca 540-580 ppm, Mg 1480-1560 ppm.

There is a discrepancy between the data sheet and 'real world' water testing, and I accept that test kit have an error rate. However, such a large difference (repeated testing) is hard to blame on test kit error.

Stability is the key with SPS.

As usual, I buy 20kg buckets mix the salt well by removing the plastic bag and rolling it around, then I empty it in the bucket. I always stir my salt before mixing.

Any other reefers experiencing issues with this batch (or other batches)

Cheers
M

 

[Diesel]

29 Sep 2106

Are you sure????

 

[Diesel]

The box comes with a test sheet right?
What does it say on there?
What test kits you use.

 

[marcustan]

HI @Diesel

haha ... 2106!!!

test kits are salifert and rechecked with ELOS Ca. I don't have an issue with my kits .... have tested them time and time again.
I posted pic of AF data sheet ... can you not see it?
Cheers
M

 

[Diesel]

Thanks, I'll see it now.
Only thing I can come up with is that either the # don't match your certificate or your RODI has a high CAL and MAG.
Can you buy another box of AF reef salt and see if it comes out the same.
I know for a fact if you contact AF or if they see this thread they can explain or send you new salt.

 

[marcustan]

Cheers ...

I have another 20kg bucket I can try retesting ....

 

[Diesel]

Cheers ...

I have another 20kg bucket I can try retesting ....

Yes please let me know.
I'm using the AF salt too for about a year now but no problem and I always double check my new mixed salt.

 

[Adamc13o3]

I am having the same thing with regular reef salt.

 

[Abhishek]

Well I had the same issue with an old prodibiotic Reef salt bucket . It was 550 for Ca and 1550 for Mg .But again , it was also because I mixed them at 1.026-1.027 ..
Allowed the values to drop naturally and no dosing of Ca and Mg ..
Now with weekly 15% water change after 5-6 weeks with a proper batch, am back to Ca of 470and Mg of 1400 ...

So question is what salinity did you mix the salt asi have found its best to keep it at 1.024-1.025 ..validate it with 2 temp compensated refractometer I have ..

Regards,
Abhishek

 

[marcustan]

@Abhishek
I have always kept my salinity at 1.024-1.025. The test that I conducted were all within that range. I have a Milwaukee digital refractometer that is performing well and a Red Sea ATC 'visual' refractometer which was calibrated at the LFS today. Sample tested at LFS also had Ca 540 ppm!

 

[marcustan]

At the LFS today,
Discussed the problems and met another reefer who has a similar problem with this batch (Lot 432) of salt.

Decided to return the remaining 20kg buckets and swap to another brand, which I am familiar with.

 

[marcustan]

@Adamc13o3
Regular Reef salt as in AF Reef Salt?

 

[Diesel]

Awesome

 

[ebushrow]

Since these buckets get shipped quite a bit, have you tried mixing the bag up? Sometimes I have seen that the larger(heavier) components will settle down causing issues like you have above.....I'm not saying that it is the reason but a thought for your new batch before you use it.....

 

[marcustan]

Hello @ebushrow
Yes .. I'm quite fastidious with new buckets of salt. I follow a few steps, rolling the bucket, taking the bag out, rolling and kneading the bag, emptying the bag into the bucket and stirring the salt each time before I mix up my ASW.

 

[Anirban]

Did you people trying contacting AF? They can cross check with their test and batch. I think @Perry can help you out if you all can send him the details.

 

[Diesel]

Did you people trying contacting AF? They can cross check with their test and batch. I think @Perry can help you out if you all can send him the details.

Thanks.
That's good info.

 

[ebushrow]

Hello @ebushrow
Yes .. I'm quite fastidious with new buckets of salt. I follow a few steps, rolling the bucket, taking the bag out, rolling and kneading the bag, emptying the bag into the bucket and stirring the salt each time before I mix up my ASW.

Ok, just a thought .... unfortunately not any help then....sorry ....hopefully @Perry will be able to help.

 

[marcustan]

@ebushrow
all good mate .... every suggestion helps

 

[marcustan]

Hello @Anirban
Yes, I have sent them an email. However, they have referred me to their Facebook group (which I opted not to join - hence cannot post), the sponsor forums on here and RC.

Cheers
M