Alk shooting up after water changes.

[NeptuneRjo]

For the past few weeks my Alk has been reading high (12-14) with it jumping back up to 14 after a WC. I'm using red sea test kits for Alk, although I am skeptical if these results are accurate due to the fact that all of my corals are growing happily and are showing no signs of damage. I'm using coralife salt and mixing at 1.024 spg.

I was also under-dosing Tropic Marin All-for-Reef with steady decline of Alk. up until the WC.


Ill be testing some fresh saltwater later and will post results.

If Alk. is normal on the fresh mix, is there any other reason it would shoot up and be that high?

 

[dwest]

For the past few weeks my Alk has been reading high (12-14) with it jumping back up to 14 after a WC. I'm using red sea test kits for Alk, although I am skeptical if these results are accurate due to the fact that all of my corals are growing happily and are showing no signs of damage. I'm using coralife salt and mixing at 1.024 spg.

I was also under-dosing Tropic Marin All-for-Reef with steady decline of Alk. up until the WC.


Ill be testing some fresh saltwater later and will post results.

If Alk. is normal on the fresh mix, is there any other reason it would shoot up and be that high?

Agree to test the fresh saltwater. As you, I would also be skeptical of the test kit (even though I had good experiences with Red Sea). It shouldn’t shoot up that high as you said.

 

[NeptuneRjo]

Now that I think of it, I could also be reading the test wrong

 

[Crustaceon]

I had a fresh batch of instant ocean (blue bucket) that mixed @ 16dkh! Definitely check the alk on your first batch of new salt water because you never know.

 

[NeptuneRjo]

The mix was over 14 dKh. This may be a silly question, but if my freshwater has any amount of alkalinity will the salt add to it?

 

[dwest]

The mix was over 14 dKh. This may be a silly question, but if my freshwater has any amount of alkalinity will the salt add to it?

Yes. Do you use ro water or tap? Ro water should have neglible alkalinity.

 

[NeptuneRjo]

Yes. Do you use ro water or tap? Ro water should have neglible alkalinity.

Tap, I just tested my freshwater and dKh is 8.4 so that's obviously the pronbem.

 

[dwest]

Tap, I just tested my freshwater and dKh is 8.4 so that's obviously the pronbem.

I would get a rodi unit for many reasons. I use a Spectrapure 5 stage, but I’ve also heard good things about brs and buckeye hydro units.

 

[Chefwheredyougo]

I highly recommend you switch to ro or rodi. It may be fine, but it only takes one thing to change in the tap to cause a world of hurt.
I personally use BRS 4 stage RODI. Fairly cheap and very effective. No issues to speak of yet.

 

[NeptuneRjo]

I have a 2 stage carbon cartridge filter. Is It possible to convert that into a RO system?

 

[dwest]

I have a 2 stage carbon cartridge filter. Is It possible to convert that into a RO system?

In general RODI systems use the flowing: sediment filter ==>carbon filter==>RO membrane==> DI cartridge(s)

it sounds like you might be able to convert your carbons into the sediment and carbon filters. These would protect the RO membrane. But, honestly, if it were me I would invest in the whole thing at one time. if funds are short, then yes you could improve your system by making sure you have the right prefilter and carbon filter. Then purchase a RO unit. Then add DI when you can.

For short term your LFS might be able to supply water for you. I’ve also purchase purified water from my local grocery store in a pinch.

 

[YankeeTankee]

Order yourself a proper RODI unit on BRS or spectrepure.

LFS may sell RODI water or sell SW mixed w rodi in the meantime.